bert425

VERY surprised this thread has been so quiet. not only have the 1st 3 episodes of this season been INCREDIBLE -- with non-stop action. tonight's episode was just *brutal*. tough to watch in every sense, the conversations had were very meaningful, and tense. .and that death. . .dayum. . . this show is firing on all cylinders this year.

LOL. . .wonder why that popped up in my feed. probably because Texas is getting hammered w/ Rain today!

is the park not underwater at the moment? http://www.wsbtv.com/gallery/weather/new-slideshow-flood-water-hits-six-flags/gFm4/#484258

soo, sorry to hear!

we haven't had rain at my home in over 3 months. . and it has POURED today. now, the graphs I've seen have shown HOUSTON getting nailed, but they are predicting up to 15" this weekend in the Hillcountry and East of I35. . . so I'm thinking it's gonna be a hell of a storm system, but maybe won't get up to Dallas. but we shall see.

just a warning. .the MGM Grand is HUGE. from wiki: The MGM Grand is the third largest hotel in the world by number of rooms and the largest hotel resort complex in the United States, ahead of The Venetian. When it opened in 1993, the MGM Grand was the largest hotel in the world. it can take forever to get to your room from the casino floor.. something to keep in mind for when you are drunk/tired. and you'll want to follow my suggestion to look at Tix4Tonite (they are up and down the strip, tho the closest one to MGM is going to be under the Giant Coca-Cola bottle next to M&M world). You will be able to get discount "day of" tix for most shows in Vegas. .as well as great coupons for attractions (like 1/2 off Madam Tusaud's), and meals (they book the restaurant for you). They are online too, if you wanna get a feel for it before you go: http://www.tix4tonight.com/

doesn't that make it a "SKLOOSH!"

yep, one of our faves too (tho sometimes a bit pricey!). we love the weekend Seafood buffet at Golden Nugget too, but sounds like he won't be in town those days.

We go to Vegas a lot. . so this is just my 2cents: Going during the week is not only the quietest time to go, it's also often the cheapest. Just keep in mind that many Vegas shows are 'dark' Monday and/or Tuesday. . so if you are planning a show or two, make sure they are playing while you are there (although I would buy the tickets on the strip at the discount Ticket locations on day of the shows). it's totally feasible, and you can. .tho the honest person in me would just book for who's in the room. It is going to depend on the Hotel/Resort how much of a big deal they will make. . . Is this your first trip? it sounds like yes, and therefore location is going to be important. We try to always stay at Flamingo. It's not a *great* hotel, but it's reliable, a Vegas classic, they have upgraded a bit over the years, and tho it's basically a glorified Holiday Inn. .it's DEAD CENTER on the strip, and the location is the most important thing you want. (it's literally across the street from Bellagio Fountains, Caesar's Palace, Mirage/Treasure Island, Venitian, Bally's, and Paris are only a short walk away. it's connected to the Monorail that runs down that side of the strip. It has a Deuce Bus Stop right out front (which will take you up and down the strip, and downtown to Freemont street 24 hours a day for really cheap fares), and it's got a Margaritaville restaurant attached. Also nice, and a good cost/room is gonna be the Rio. All suites, and they do provide a shuttle bus to the stip. . but they are off strip and the only thing you can easily walk to is Gold Coast (good for table games, the locals play there) or the Palms. Beautiful hotel tho, and it although off strip, it's located near the center of it. (the shuttle will drop you off at Bally's). Some will be, some wont. We've never found it worth it to pay upcharge to attend any of the pools at the hotels we've been at. . tho we will admit the pool at Ceasar's is beautiful, and the big pool at Flamingo (free if you stay on property) is nice with good drinks (but the two upcharge pools are not worth it). really up to you and what you are looking for. Yes. Worth it, and both the Monorail, and the Deuce will drop you off at stops near CC, so it's not too far of a schlep. Canyon Blaster is a great Coaster, and I've heard only good things about El Loco. We actually win at CC when we play slots there (the casino floor is HUGE and spread out).. and not only do they have a decent and very affordable buffet, but they also have free circus acts on the upstairs "midway" that's over the main casino. They also have, what we consider, the BEST Steakhouse in Vegas. it's *not* cheap. . and it's kinda shocking that such an expensive restaurant is in such a craphole resort like Circus Circus. . . but yeah, worth every penny. If you win, make an effort to enjoy a meal there. (tho it will run you likely $200 for 3 people). it comes to personal taste of course, but my list: (0-$$$ for cost) 1) Cirque Du Soliel show "Mystere" at Treasure Island ($$) 2) Cirque Du Soliel show "Love" at Mirage ($$) 3) Mirage volcano erupting every 1/2 hour after dark (free from strip) 4) Bellagio Fountains every 15 minutes after dark, every 1/2 hour during day (free from strip.. multiple different shows) 5) Moving Fountains/Aquarium in Caesar's Palace Forum Mall (free. . inside the mall on opposite sides) 6) High Roller Ferris Wheel behind Flamingo ($$) 7) Aquarium at Mandalay Bay ($$) 8) "Absinthe" show at Caesar's Palace outdoor tent ($$) 9) Excalibur Midway downstairs (free. .tho you pay for each game) 10) NYNY Rollercoaster (ouch. .it's gonna hurt, but you're in Vegas, might as well ride it) ($) 11) Steakhouse At Circus Circus ($$$) 12) Adventuredome at Circus Circus ($) (evening band is very reasonable) 13) Kiss Minigolf (across the street from Hard Rock Cafe/Casino) ($) Indoor, glow in the dark, KISS themed mini-golf with a huge KISS merch store. (helps if you're a KISS fan) Don't forget Downtown (Freemont street) 14) the Giant Gold Nugget (at the Golden Nugget) (free) 15) Golden Nugget Pool (with waterslide thru Shark Tank) (free to go look, must be hotel guest to use pool). 16) Glitter Gulch (free admin, 2drink minimum) - famous strip bar on Freemont Street (Vegas Vicki kicks her leg from the roof). 17) Freemont Street Experience (free). . all along the covered roof of the pedestrian only Freemont street. I think it's every hour on the hour (after dark) during the week, and then every 1/2 hour on weekends. 18) the giant slot machine zip line. ($$) (not my thing, but maybe you're into it?). -- Not a big fan of heights, but if you are, you might find the Observation Deck, and Rides at the top of Stratosphere appealing ($$). -- I also didn't mention the gondola rides thru Venetian ($$) or the artwork hanging all over Bellagio (tho don't miss the flower garden display that changes seasonally in the lobby), or art galleries at Aria ($), Bellagio ($$) and Wynn ($$) and if you have time, you can likely get a day-trip out to Ethel M chocolate Factory/Cactus Garden, Hoover Dam, and to Primm (to gamble there. . tho Desperado rollercoaster is only open on the weekends). Still, it's a free trip (the Primm Casinos sponsor it) and we always win there. Check as the Tix 4 Tonight booths about the daytrips. .you can get some good deals. These are just MY suggestions.. I'm sure there are TONS of other things you can do that i didn't even mention (Neon Museum, Gangster Museum, Racetrack, Dolphins, etc). have fun!

It DID live on for quite a while at Fiesta Tx (as Wagon Wheel) before disappearing a few years back

yep, the finale was the best episode of the season by far. tho it was extremely predictable - from episode 2, I had called which characters were dead meat, and was correct in 2 out of 3 of them. . that's not good writing, if i can see it from that far away. instead of Liza dying, it should have been Chris. . which would have added to the drama next season, as he'd be torn between his current girlfriend, and his ex -- who would be mourning and need him over the loss of their son together. but the idea of getting on a boat is a good one, and I'm curious to see where they go with it. So I'll tune back in next year.

From Dragon*con. . me and my buddy Travis . with Thor (at the Heroes and Villains Ball):

Very Cool.. congrats!

Kraftwerk was AMAZING Friday night in Austin (one of only 12 stops on the US tour). Reminder: the concert was in 3D, so that's why even tho our seats were great, some of the backgrounds look fuzzy (they were 3D image Ready to go into our seats (Row G orchestra) Opening the show with NUMBERS! Numbers Computer World Computer World 1st Encore. . curtain came back up, the guys were gone. . replaced with "Robots" Robots Robots Robots

I've never been a big "parade" person, but it sounds like the parade is a central feature of this ticketed event? that show looks incredible tho, and I love the "Hocus Pocus" film, and think it's amazing they based a show off it! How much are tickets to the party? (and since the daily guests leave, I assume you do NOT need a daily ticket to get a ticket to this). I know it's quite popular, so it likely sells out. EDIT: Duh. .I figured out how to work the internet! . . . LOL. . so was able to find the answers to my questions. so as Emily Litella says, . . . .. . "nevermind"

they've been trying, for years now, to get another park up and running. I'm guessing regardless of the excuses they are using for the delays, some of it must have to do w/ the gang issues . .which nowadays in Houston are worse than they ever were back then.

What browser are you using? I'm using Firefox and am having no issues.

As a Local (well, was until mid 80's). . here's my 2cents. the park was not well taken care of, and in particular the mid 90's, it got taken over by gangs. The Park *did* address that, as best they could, but I'd be lying if I said I ever felt completely safe when going there at any point in the 90's, even tho I maintained my season pass, and used to visit when I would go home to visit parents. add to that the park really was pretty locked in land wise, and did not have a lot of room for expansion, so they never really were able to add anything new, without removing something. (the big exception being Waterworld, which was great for the first few years, the but moment they started including it with Astroworld/Season Pass entry (you used to have to buy a separate Waterworld pass, or upgrade), they started having gang issues there too. But the bottom line? The land, across the street from the Astrodomain Complex, was considered very valuable, and Six Flags sold it for a large profit (from what i understand) to a developer. . who bulldozed it and then the economy started it's decline. So it's just a vast, empty field still. but it was great for a few years when we had within a drive of our home, Astroworld, SFoT, and SFFT. .. and a season pass got you into all 3 (tho if I recall, SFFT hadn't added much in way of "rides" before Astroworld closed, as it had just fairly recently become a Six Flags park). anyways. .that's my 2cents

AC/DC is AMAZING live. highlight of the show tends to be "Hell's Bells". . but most songs have "props" and they put on great performances.

Next Friday. . .Kraftwerk. in one if their few US dates!

I did try, but since the pics are copyrighted to the photographer, the only way is to purchase them (tho some of them are amazing..in particular that one of the Astroneedle)

I searched for an Astroworld thread, and other than a trip report, and a video thread I started last year, couldn't find one, and wanted to share these awesome pics! My 30 year High School reunion is coming up soon, and in a "memory" page published last night, one of my HS friends posted a link to these FANTASTIC Astroworld pics (from 1968-1990). they are credited to Josh Burdick, and as a photo gallery on Smug Mug.. so will just link them in that way (since I don't know if my friend knows Burdick (maybe married to him nowadays?). regardless, the pics are too good to not share! Here's the full gallery:

it was renewed for a 2nd season before they even started filming. . that's why they are taking it so slow None of the characters are likable, except for the High School kid (I hope we see him again), and I suspect by the end of the "season" (2 more episodes), we'll lose a few more of the main cast thus far (barber's wife, ex-wife of lead guy, and junkie son all have "dead meat" stamped all over them). My only real problem with the show -- which has since been addressed elsewhere -- is that despite all the issues the main series had with characters of color. . . . for a show set in LA, by the end of Episode 2, ALL THREE Black Characters were dead. either malicious, or tone-deaf, by the showrunner. and they have been called to task for it. but I'm enjoying the show otherwise.

you can get just the HotDog (or Sandwich) for only $10 tho. that's still SUPER expensive, but for someone who doesn't eat fries, it worked out perfect, since i got my partner just the sandwich and myself the combo (and we split the fries/drink). . .so I can justify (in my head), $25 for a meal for 2. . .even tho it's still overpriced. all you have to do is ask for something separate (note at the top of the menu is says "all items may be purchased separately") So $10 for a hot dog..... What a deal! it IS cheaper tho

you can get just the HotDog (or Sandwich) for only $10 tho. that's still SUPER expensive, but for someone who doesn't eat fries, it worked out perfect, since i got my partner just the sandwich and myself the combo (and we split the fries/drink). . .so I can justify (in my head), $25 for a meal for 2. . .even tho it's still overpriced. all you have to do is ask for something separate (note at the top of the menu is says "all items may be purchased separately")