bert425

thanks for the help already, folks! taking notes here

really? Classic 70's rock band. (tho they had a huge resurgence in the late 80's with a change to a more Power-Pop sound). this is an album that should be in EVERYONE's collection: Dreamboat Annie, Crazy on You, Magic Man as should this: Barracuda, Kick it Out, Little Queen and this: Heartless, I've got the music In me, Just the wine.

you're wrong, and just because you don't care for a classic band, doesn't mean they aren't popular in places. Willie Nelson could sell out WEEKS in a row here in Texas, if he so chose to play shows. Barenaked Ladies sold out multiple nights in Vancouver when I was last there. Heart is currently a nostalgia band, but all it takes is one new hit to make them arena draws again (see: Aerosmith back in 1980's), or KISS pre 1996 reunion. so no, I don't think this is "weird". .but I do think it's unfair that folks are pressuring bands to pull out of a contracted appearance because they are too blinded by a film's propaganda to properly research the truth behind the claims. (and that's not a liberal/conservative statement either. . Micheal Moore stretches the facts to make his points too, sometimes). all this to simply say -- if *I* don't go to SeaWorld, it's not because of some one-sided film about the supposed mistreatment of the animals. It's because I think the admission charge is too high.

Hi TPR, I know there are several threads for the individual parks, but as i'm just starting to do the research, I thought i'd ask for help here in a centralized thread. my 10th Anniversary is coming up in January. (yay us). my Partner is older than I am, and these days, he just can't handle the "big" rides, even tho he loves theme parks as much as I do, and has no problem if I go on things while he waits. As much fun as Knott's was a couple of years ago, I would have loved it more if he were on many of the rides WITH me. since he's such a fan of parks, and older rides, I proposed a trip to Pennsylvania, since that state has many of our "bucket list" parks, that are filled with rides he'd have no issue going on! So for sure we'd like to hit Knoebel's, Kenneywood, Hersheypark. . and then add a 4th, either Waldameer, Idlewild, Dorney, or maybe something else. this is what we know for sure: 1) as our Anniversary at the end of Jan is off season, we are going to take our Anniversary trip in Late May (our typical vacation time anyways). 2) we are planning on spending at least two days at Hersheypark, and at least 1 full day (potentially 2 days) at each other park. so we're looking at an 8 day minimum trip. what we DON'T know, and can use help with is: 1) how close are the parks to each other? (we're from Texas, so Pennsylvania looks like a rather small state that we could likely fly into one place, rent a car, and easily drive to the parks we want to (before eventually driving back to where we rented the car from and flying back out (or flying back from a different airport). 2) what would be the best airport to fly into (for the 1st park). 3) what should we plan for the 4th park? any suggestions, or just stick with the 3 I noted as must go's (Hershey, Knoebel's, Kenneywood). 4) is this an insane idea? or is it a great trip for two queers who love amusement parks (one of whom is a fuddy duddy who wont' go on "big" rides, but doesn't mind if the other does. so that's my pitch for any suggestions, as I get into the research here. any input is appreciated! best, bert

yah, not worried about not receiving anything yet, as the massive ice storm basically took out the Dallas Airport for two days, so stuff I was expecting from Amazon on Friday still hasn't made it here yet either. but at least I know my giftee got what I sent, as I saw acknowledgement here

it wasn't even a GOOD trainwreck! I only made it to "Do Re Me" before giving up and changing the channel. (I think the levels being off -- you could barely hear the singing over the loud music - -hurt them. But the show was a huge ratings hit regardless)

HAHAHAHA. . . very true

^^ I take it you've been to Gay Days at Disney? that's something to do at least once.

I avoided it for years, but all the buildup for the series finale (and AMC playing a marathon in the week leading up to it), got me to DVR all episodes and I watched them. it is a FANTASTIC show, but it's not for everyone. Give it at least 3 episodes to see if you like it, as I though the first episode was "ok" and the 2nd was a bit better, but I still wasn't getting why folks rave about it. Then episode 3 -- WOW. . one of the best written hours of television I've ever seen. and it doesn't really go downhill quality-wise from there until the final episode. for the "tone" of the show, think along the lines of "the Shield" and "Sons of Anarchy" in that you tend to forget that most of these people are really bad guys, so although you root for them, terrible (and usually deserved) things are GOING to happen to them. don't be put off in that it's 5 seasons -- it's really only something like 63 episodes: Season 1 = 7 episodes (cut short by writers strike) Seasons 2-4 13 episodes each Season 5 = 16 episodes so it's very manageable

It was great! True, it was basic PR for her new cd, but it was all presented so well, and even Kermit was allowed to let his Little Froggie Monster out, LOL! And although most of the outfits were typical Gaga, she really sold the show with her songs and her voice, which was very nice. A first (to me) good TV special, this month. I like Gaga, and the special worked, in that it got me to buy the CD (based on a couple songs she played, that i liked). but sheesh. . I thought it was pretty painful, and deservedly stunk in the ratings. Loved the participation of Elton and JGL tho. .even if they did duet on that song about date rape (but at least changed it so she's after him). but hey, to each their own

THRILLED To have discovered this thread,in particular the last few pages -- as I am just starting to plan our 10th anniversary trip. and we wanna to go to Pennsylvania to hit a bunch of parks with classic rides, that we've never been to! yep, Kennywood, Knobel's, Hershey, and at least 1 other (likely Dorney). so I think this thread will be. . how you say? Invaluable!

I will NOT get on a "Top Spin" I'd probably be just fine on it. .but I don't like the idea of it, and have never ridden one. (I'm the person in the group that always stands and watches, while the rest ride).

I've never been in Atlanta for the Pride week. I'm always in Atlanta during Labor Day Weekend for Dragon*con, so most of the gay men are always gone, as that's the same weekend as the big party in New Orleans (Southern Decadence). however, Labor Day always seems to coincide with Black Lesbian Pride weekend, so we always have a grand time hanging out with the TONS of Lesbians who come to town for that

it's missing a corkscrew, that's why!

while the theming within the mountain leaves a *lot* to be desired, it actually does appear to be faster than the real Matterhorn ride at Disney. was it actually faster? or is it just coming across that way? and it warms my heart a bit to see the skyride still operating out of the mountain

I shipped mine out on Monday, but haven't seen my giftee post they got it yet. so I"m assuming they were out of town for Thanksgiving and just haven't opened it yet. (I always worry about stuff getting lost in the mail!).

that really was rather awesome. I'd go on lift-hill, the ride! the squealing on the way down reminded me very much of the old "High-Roller". . that's the same sound it made too, and it's why I had to ride it alone (my Partner said "hell NO!").

more ironic that no one believed it at first, as Walker was the subject of a "death" hoax earlier this week, and his publicist had just on Friday evening issued the statement that it wasn't true and he was alive and well. and then 8 hours later. . . . creepy. . .

My condolences on your loss. although personally?. . I think it's WONDERFUL that his parents showed up for the Drag Show. (it was a benefit for their son, and what a wonderful show of support (even after his passing) that they wanted to participate in some way, and yes, showing up is participating). hugs to you all!

AMAZON tons of lightning deals (admittedly, a bunch for me, but have gotten a bunch of great gifts for others as well). from the comfort of my home. they have new deals about every 15 minutes

that makes me miss the Joker Coaster from Fiesta Texas. with the cars backwards (on Joker) it was just as rough, with the exact same layout!

I guess the trick is you put someone on your shoulders to reach the buttons -- so have someone to share with?

OMG. is it wrong that I TOTALLY want one??

I live two miles from Venetian. I'm well aware, but Tix 4 Tonight has been pretty horrible for deals lately. I just got twilight tickets online which were even cheaper than the locals discount, haha. cool I should have added, that the Iron Man and Thor figures look really cool, and thank you for the trip report! (I meant to, and got called away to help clean for all the family arriving tomorrow. Was actually coming in to edit that, but I'll just say it here )

if you ever go back, helpful hint: the Discount Tickets booths "Tickets Tonight" (all up and down the strip) sell 1/2 price or less tix. (I think we paid $13 each when we were there in May). I thought it was worth it just cause I was able to get this Jenna Jemeson pic