U.S. Navy Laser Weapon Shoots Down Drone in Test.

After careful research, it appears we are ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE behind in development when compared to the Japanese. Their Wave Gun technologies have been threatening the United States since the 1980′s when then President Ronald Regan proposed ‘Star Wars’ program in order to compete on these new battlefields.

The Wave Motion Gun –  threat from outer space.

The latest tests from this Japanese Battleship Yamato clearly demonstrates how outgunned the U.S. Navy really is.

SPACE BATTLESHIP

As we struggle to transform the USS Iowa into a museum, the Japanese are lauching battleships into space. How can we compete with that?

Community members who attended (perhaps 70 or so), including several downtown business owners, expressed strong support for the idea. When those opposed were asked to raise their hands, no one did.

The actual recommendation is:

RECOMMENDATION:

Whereas, the berthing of the USS Iowa Battleship in the Port of Los Angeles will serve as a community asset creating cultural, educational and historical benefits to San Pedro and surrounding communities; and

Whereas, the Port of Los Angeles will benefit in the form of Berth Rental and proceeds from parking lot concessions; and

Whereas, it will provide jobs and visitor revenue for local businesses including Hotels and Restaurants; and

Whereas, there will be no cost or burden to the Port, community, or local government entities to bring the USS Iowa here, maintain it, or return it to the Navy in case it is not successful; and

Whereas, it will not delay the implementation of the Waterfront plan or interfere with harbor navigation; and

Whereas, it will provide the anchor for the Fire Boat Display, Maritime Museum and Lane Victory and create a “Historical Core” for visitor draw, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the PCAC makes the following Recommendations:

1.) That the Port of Los Angeles provide Berthing Space and adjoining space to build an accompanying Museum for the USS Iowa, and

2.) The Board of Harbor Commissioners direct the Port of Los Angeles to provide said Berth and Museum Space for the USS Iowa.

This is great news for the Battleship Iowa sailors who have waited and watched the sister ships New Jersey, Missouri and Wisconsin become museums and tourist attractions. Now we can only hope for final resolution.

h/t

South Point is several miles from the major casinos you may be familiar with. 6.4 miles to Mandalay Bay for example.

View Larger Map

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.

Plenty of parking right in front of the hotel with valet available, for those from Los Angeles.  Bus and Taxi stands are in front of the hotel.

Look for this Binion Statue Near the Cafe

Look for the more than life size statue of Benny Binion on  a horse.

Convention information is clearly posted on the wall.

The convention area is on the second floor, with easy access by stairs, elevator or my personal favorite, escalator.

Once on the second floor, you are presented with convention info again.

A large reception and registration area. Great for chit chats and networking.

Register for your TAM8 at the window to receive your passes.

Check in Here!

Of course you can gamble in between speakers.

Keep Gaming!

Comfortable seats are available outside of the rooms and will probably go fast.

Protip- This cushy spot has a power outlet

The phone center has 6 power outlets in the back, several phones and networking access.

Skeptic Blogger Battle for Power Begins.

Inside, a sample conference room seems spacious with tables and padded chairs.

The real action will be at the Del Mar Lounge, a very open bar area.

I'll have a Salty Dog.

Lots of TV options and convenient Sports Book

Happy hour specials are very popular with skeptics, or are they?

Cheap Drinks!

Free Bottle of Wine!

They even have Wine Shoe Shines. The guy could not seem to clearly articulate why the wine is supposed to be better for shoe shines. He mentioned something about leather tanning, but kinda trailed off.  I warned him a whole lot of skeptics are coming to visit. I wonder who could investigate? I’m talking about you, IIG.

How can we test this?

South Point ATM fees are $3.00 which is cheap by Las Vegas standards.

Only $3.00 to take out money to give to the Casino.

Those lucky enough to attend the Skepchick Wild West Bordello will be glad to know, hat and other western wear is available in the hotel gift shop. We have our buttons and can’t wait to meet you all.

Get you costumes ready!

My lovely wife Rose of The Jewmanist fame and co-founder of The Coming Out Godless Project recommends a vanilla bean frozen yogurt in a waffle cone to beat the heat. Follow her @interhuss.

Say Hi to Rose @interhuss

Feel free to follow me @ericbroze and say hi at Tam8.

Who's got 2 thumbs and a Rad-shirt? This guy!

Like my shirt? Get one here or see The Amazing Randi perform a neat magic trick.