Comments on: Penn says… go to TAM! http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:14:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Lars http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-185114 Lars Thu, 21 May 2009 12:54:55 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-185114 @Robbie Clark: So? ;) (Click my name for a history lesson.) @Robbie Clark: So? ;)

(Click my name for a history lesson.)

]]> By: testing http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-185107 testing Thu, 21 May 2009 11:51:57 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-185107 Is this thing even working anymore? My comments are not showing up. Is this thing even working anymore? My comments are not showing up.

]]> By: Davidlpf http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-185041 Davidlpf Thu, 21 May 2009 01:39:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-185041 I kind of like time limit because there a few here posting from work and sometimes you have to something else for a few minutes. I kind of like time limit because there a few here posting from work and sometimes you have to something else for a few minutes.

]]> By: «bønez_brigade» http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-185039 «bønez_brigade» Thu, 21 May 2009 01:22:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-185039 BTW, Penn's appearance was almost all politics, with only a little about GW. [Methinks the new comment-numbering here is a plus, BTW.] [Ooooh, and the edit feature!] -- [though the timer may be set a little high] BTW, Penn’s appearance was almost all politics, with only a little about GW.

[Methinks the new comment-numbering here is a plus, BTW.]
[Ooooh, and the edit feature!] — [though the timer may be set a little high]

]]> By: Bill http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-185008 Bill Wed, 20 May 2009 22:45:51 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-185008 Sigh...I live in Phoenix. Vegas is SO close, and TAM is SO tempting. But balanced against the very real possibility of layoffs in my department later this summer, I think I'd better stash that money away for a rainy day instead. Sigh…I live in Phoenix. Vegas is SO close, and TAM is SO tempting. But balanced against the very real possibility of layoffs in my department later this summer, I think I’d better stash that money away for a rainy day instead.

]]> By: Robbie Clark http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184993 Robbie Clark Wed, 20 May 2009 21:45:11 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184993 What some of you are practicing in these comments is not skepticism, but cynicism. Tsk tsk. What some of you are practicing in these comments is not skepticism, but cynicism. Tsk tsk.

]]> By: Sili http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184882 Sili Wed, 20 May 2009 15:39:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184882 I allow me to complain about the soldout London TAM too. It was sold out even before I saw your announcement. *grumbles* I allow me to complain about the soldout London TAM too. It was sold out even before I saw your announcement.

*grumbles*

]]> By: Beelzebud http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184881 Beelzebud Wed, 20 May 2009 15:36:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184881 Being a Libertarian doesn't make one a critical thinker. Especially when your libertarian friends are the likes of Glenn Beck. And as for his show, Bullshit is a great name for it. His episodes about NASA or endangered species was all I needed to see to know that he's no friend of science. He criticizes others for using emotional pleas, and then pretty much made a whole series of shows doing just that. Being a Libertarian doesn’t make one a critical thinker. Especially when your libertarian friends are the likes of Glenn Beck.

And as for his show, Bullshit is a great name for it. His episodes about NASA or endangered species was all I needed to see to know that he’s no friend of science. He criticizes others for using emotional pleas, and then pretty much made a whole series of shows doing just that.

]]> By: Porky Pine http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184863 Porky Pine Wed, 20 May 2009 14:31:02 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184863 I've stopped caring about anything Penn has to say since his second hand smoke episode on Bull****. I’ve stopped caring about anything Penn has to say since his second hand smoke episode on Bull****.

]]> By: Ken http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184856 Ken Wed, 20 May 2009 13:53:05 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184856 Penn is an entertainer, and says and does whatever he thinks will win him viewers. I recall how he and Joe Rogaine (or whatever his name is - the Fear Factor guy) ganged up on Phil over the moon hoax stuff on his radio show (a few episodes before Penn got bored with the radio show and dropped it). So much for being a "cheerleader for Science". It's great that Phil appears to have gotten over it. I'm not sure I would have. Penn is an entertainer, and says and does whatever he thinks will win him viewers. I recall how he and Joe Rogaine (or whatever his name is – the Fear Factor guy) ganged up on Phil over the moon hoax stuff on his radio show (a few episodes before Penn got bored with the radio show and dropped it). So much for being a “cheerleader for Science”. It’s great that Phil appears to have gotten over it. I’m not sure I would have.

]]> By: Cheyenne http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184835 Cheyenne Wed, 20 May 2009 13:02:12 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184835 Of course Penn is on Beck's show. He's a Libertarian, and a rather forceful advocate of it. He's also a freaking genius in my mind (and no, I don't always agree with him, but the guy has stones and dares to speak out). Check out his show Bull**** on Showtime (you can rent it from Blockbuster). Awesome. He's not just a magician. He's one of those freaky out of left field guys that makes you actually think about some of your previous assumptions. But speaking of the magician stuff - if you have to be dragged to that false front town of Vegas definitely see his show. I went and it almost made my trip worth it. Of course Penn is on Beck’s show. He’s a Libertarian, and a rather forceful advocate of it. He’s also a freaking genius in my mind (and no, I don’t always agree with him, but the guy has stones and dares to speak out). Check out his show Bull**** on Showtime (you can rent it from Blockbuster). Awesome.

He’s not just a magician. He’s one of those freaky out of left field guys that makes you actually think about some of your previous assumptions. But speaking of the magician stuff – if you have to be dragged to that false front town of Vegas definitely see his show. I went and it almost made my trip worth it.

]]> By: Michael L http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184781 Michael L Wed, 20 May 2009 04:23:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184781 @Beelzebud: Beck has been around a long time. His radio show has been on for years before he went on TV. What irks me, is that every time I have seen Penn on Becks show, he ends up agreeing with Beck. That's not good. @Beelzebud:
Beck has been around a long time. His radio show has been on for years before he went on TV. What irks me, is that every time I have seen Penn on Becks show, he ends up agreeing with Beck. That’s not good.

]]> By: Beelzebud http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184774 Beelzebud Wed, 20 May 2009 03:38:41 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184774 I find it pretty sad that Penn goes on a show like Glenn Beck. If there is one person on TV that is against rationality, critical thinking, and science, it's Glenn Beck. The first time I thought he was on there I assumed it must be because he didn't realize all of the conspiracy laden nonsense Beck puts on his show. Now that he's been on there a bunch of times, the only thing I can conclude is that Penn is just fine with the guy. I find it pretty sad that Penn goes on a show like Glenn Beck. If there is one person on TV that is against rationality, critical thinking, and science, it’s Glenn Beck.

The first time I thought he was on there I assumed it must be because he didn’t realize all of the conspiracy laden nonsense Beck puts on his show. Now that he’s been on there a bunch of times, the only thing I can conclude is that Penn is just fine with the guy.

]]> By: Davidlpf http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184767 Davidlpf Wed, 20 May 2009 03:14:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184767 I did not know he was from Nova Scotia. (click my name) I did not know he was from Nova Scotia.
(click my name)

]]> By: MadScientist http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184762 MadScientist Wed, 20 May 2009 02:53:53 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184762 I could swear I heard the Blue-Nosed Gopher say "Billion Dollar Challenge". I can confidently predict the outcome of the challenge though; after all, the applicant is being tested by one of the most amazing mentalists around - I'm rather surprised that anyone would claim to demonstrate psychic abilities in front of Banachek - could it be she's never heard of him? On the other hand, if she can pull one over Banachek she probably deserves the money and should probably go into the magic entertainment business. I could swear I heard the Blue-Nosed Gopher say “Billion Dollar Challenge”.

I can confidently predict the outcome of the challenge though; after all, the applicant is being tested by one of the most amazing mentalists around – I’m rather surprised that anyone would claim to demonstrate psychic abilities in front of Banachek – could it be she’s never heard of him? On the other hand, if she can pull one over Banachek she probably deserves the money and should probably go into the magic entertainment business.

]]> By: Michelle http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184741 Michelle Wed, 20 May 2009 01:27:39 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184741 CURSE YOU, EMPTY BANK ACCOUNT Why can't I have superpowers huh? Then I'd have a million bucks and I'd go to TAM! CURSE YOU, EMPTY BANK ACCOUNT

Why can’t I have superpowers huh? Then I’d have a million bucks and I’d go to TAM!

]]> By: J. D. Mack http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184740 J. D. Mack Wed, 20 May 2009 01:17:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184740 Penn's comment was actually "I've never been to one of the *real* million dollar challenges before." The JREF has conducted many of these challenges over the years, but they're not usually open to the public. Penn’s comment was actually “I’ve never been to one of the *real* million dollar challenges before.” The JREF has conducted many of these challenges over the years, but they’re not usually open to the public.

]]> By: scotth http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184738 scotth Wed, 20 May 2009 01:09:20 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184738 @Oded, TAM is like nothing else. The only thing I've found to top it is a JREF cruise. If you can swing it, you'll probably not regret it. @Oded, TAM is like nothing else. The only thing I’ve found to top it is a JREF cruise. If you can swing it, you’ll probably not regret it.

]]> By: dhtroy http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184729 dhtroy Wed, 20 May 2009 00:43:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184729 Penn made the statement "I've never been to one of the live million dollar challenges before", indicating that perhaps, there were "other" live challenges? If so, when and where can I get those videos? Would love to see them (I'll go Google for them now, but if someone's got linkage, that would be super). Penn made the statement “I’ve never been to one of the live million dollar challenges before”, indicating that perhaps, there were “other” live challenges?

If so, when and where can I get those videos? Would love to see them (I’ll go Google for them now, but if someone’s got linkage, that would be super).

]]> By: Bad Albert http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184714 Bad Albert Wed, 20 May 2009 00:25:43 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184714 Wow. Vegas in July. Do they have AC on the streets yet? Wow. Vegas in July. Do they have AC on the streets yet?

]]> By: Davidlpf http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184706 Davidlpf Tue, 19 May 2009 23:57:42 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184706 Penn does have some good points once and while, but on others I can not agree with him. He is like everyone else on Earth not perfect. Penn does have some good points once and while, but on others I can not agree with him. He is like everyone else on Earth not perfect.

]]> By: Michael L http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184695 Michael L Tue, 19 May 2009 22:52:50 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184695 I stopped listening to anything Penn says when he started hanging out with America's #1 @$$-hat, Glenn Beck. Being a guest on Beck's show does not do anything for their credibility. I stopped listening to anything Penn says when he started hanging out with America’s #1 @$$-hat, Glenn Beck. Being a guest on Beck’s show does not do anything for their credibility.

]]> By: Oded http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184678 Oded Tue, 19 May 2009 21:55:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184678 Wow, I want to go to this so much, but it is incredible how much this would cost me.. I live in Israel, so the flight alone is $1,200 at least.. And I just checked, there's a Zero-G flight from Las Vegas at just the right time!! I've been wanting to do that ever since I heard of it... But man, that's expensive.. I could easily buy half a car with the amount of money it would take me to enjoy those 2 weeks... I figure the whole ordeal would be... $8,000 or so.. Which is for me two and a half months salary... Which I have.. But wow, it seems insane to spend all this on just 2 weeks... Wow, I want to go to this so much, but it is incredible how much this would cost me.. I live in Israel, so the flight alone is $1,200 at least.. And I just checked, there’s a Zero-G flight from Las Vegas at just the right time!! I’ve been wanting to do that ever since I heard of it… But man, that’s expensive.. I could easily buy half a car with the amount of money it would take me to enjoy those 2 weeks…

I figure the whole ordeal would be… $8,000 or so.. Which is for me two and a half months salary… Which I have.. But wow, it seems insane to spend all this on just 2 weeks…

]]> By: «bønez_brigade» http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184652 «bønez_brigade» Tue, 19 May 2009 20:45:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184652 BTW, Penn will be on Glenn Beck's show today @ 5PM EST (which should repeat later in the night, I think) -- and that's in ~17min. The topic will likely be politics, but hopefully he'll get in some words about skepticism & critical thinking. BTW, Penn will be on Glenn Beck’s show today @ 5PM EST (which should repeat later in the night, I think) — and that’s in ~17min. The topic will likely be politics, but hopefully he’ll get in some words about skepticism & critical thinking.

]]> By: Siphoneuphoria http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/comment-page-1/#comment-184645 Siphoneuphoria Tue, 19 May 2009 20:17:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/05/19/penn-says-go-to-tam/#comment-184645 <blockquote>They should have, like, an essay contest where the winner gets a trip to TAM</blockquote> Heck yeah!

They should have, like, an essay contest where the winner gets a trip to TAM

Heck yeah!

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