bert425

"Diamonds" by the Boxer Rebellion. *absolutely* brilliant. Smiths lyrics, over a Verve type track. LOVE it.

Should we start referring to her as: Elis(I)sa ?

KA is an amazing show, but it's really all about the staging. . as soon as I heard there was an accident, I thought it would likely to have been in KA (because that huge, moving, stage could easily hurt someone). Unfortunately, my instincts were correct, although it seems to have nothing to do with the actual stage (although it was not under her at the time). my Condolences, thoughts, and Prayers are with her family at this time.

THANK YOU you have no idea what wonderful memories you just brought back for me. I grew up less than 2 miles from Astroworld, and had a Season Pass from the time I was 7, until ~1995 (so about 21 years. . heck yeah, I even kept getting a pass even after I moved up to Austin, so I could go when I came into town to visit my parents). anyways, I used to LOVE the Ultra Twister at Astroworld, and since that closed, I've never even seen video of the same ride. Even the one TPR has on YouTube is the "continuous" one. . .not this one here, that has that wonderful, ball-crushing, *CLUNK* as it drops backwards to do the lower level back into the station. funny, the Astroworld Ultra-Twister always had a huge line (and in those days, no Flash-Passes yet). . but I don't recall ever waiting more than 15-20 minutes for it. I dunno if that's great park management (I doubt it), or just good teamwork on quick loading (more likely). . but yeah. .thanks for the awesome memories here, Robb! (One day, I'll get to come on a TPR trip)

Shockwave will never go anywhere. it's a huge WOW factor pop from the Freeway when you pass right in front of the park -- yes, more than anything else in the park (except possibly Mr. Freeze). heck, just take a look:

don't forget Wonder Woman. . . we gay bears love Wonder Woman too!

I'd have to say Chain, as it's gonna be Disney.

agreed. . the extended argument (between McBride & Franco) on "Semen Etiquette" was pure gold and worth the price of admission alone. super, super raunchy, and laugh out loud hysterical in places. It absolutely helps if you are familiar with the actors, but you don't really NEED to know who Aziz Ansari or Mindy Kaling are to laugh at the jokes, but as I said, it helps. recommended.

yeah. .just saw that. a real shame, so young, and he was such a great actor.

Poltergeist at Fiesta Texas used to make an awesome moaning/ooooooooo sound years ago, but doesn't seem to do it anymore (guess the cars changed?). and I used to go to bed every night dreaming of this sound: Greezed Lightnin

you're handicapping yourself by trying to cram in 4 parks in 1 day, I wouldn't do more than 2 (and even then it would likely be 1 with maybe dinner at Epcot). why go to the parks, if you aren't going to allow yourself to enjoy the magic of them? That said (and keep in mind, I'm likely not the best person to ask, as you'd probably get a better answer from someone local (Robb/Elissa)), several rides on your list almost always have huge lines (and even with fast pass take a while to get into): Test Track -- just refurbed, so very popular right now Soarin -- HUGE line, that's mostly hidden so you don't realize how long it is (and clear across the park from Test Track (and EPCOT is a BIG park)). Peter Pan Splash Mountain For Test Track, Expedition Everest I absolutely recommend single Rider Line. for the Safari, if you don't catch it first thing in the morning the animals tend to hide/sleep from the heat (and it's absolutely way in the back of the park. . so that's a trek just to get to. if you really only have 1 day, and want to do as much as you can? Honestly, here's what I'd do:' Start at Animal Kingdom Safari first, then Expedition Everest (single rider line), Kali River Rapids, back to Everest, then Dinosaur on the way out. Tram over to Hollywood Studios and go right to Tower of Terror and fast pass, and then ride Rock N Roller Coaster while waiting for fast pass time (they're next to each other). Skip Star Tours (or if you must. . you'll waste time as it's across the park from RnR Coater/ToT). . . .then go over to EPCOT for dinner in world showcase (either Morroco or Mexico have great restaurants) and while there try to single ride Test Track and/or fast pass Soarin. Magic Kingdom is a whole day by itself. . if you dont' have a full day to spend there (it's much more spread out than Disneyland), then i'd just skip it on this trip. just my 2cents.

Just watched my episode (hey. . i've been really busy with work and catching up after I was gone on Vacation for two weeks). really liked the episode, LOVED that they show the towns/cities that each park is located in -- only briefly, but still rather cool. I was rooting for Superman: Ride of Steel, and was actually surprised it scored so low against Tatsu -- a ride I thought was inferior. I haven't been overseas, so only have seen Formula Rossa on youtube, but even in hi-def, it looked a bit dull to me. I guess when riding it in person, the speed really adds to the excitement. (one day, one day.. . Abu Dhabi is on my bucket list for a vacation stop). but good job to all involved, and nice to see Robb back on my TV. (where's Elissa tho???? will she be showing up in the future?).

do you mean Brenham, Texas? (I'm assuming typo here ) it's almost exactly 1/2 way between Austin & Houston (close to College Station), and is famous for two things: 1) it's considered the Heart of Bluebonnet Country (tons of flower trails) & 2) it's home to Blue Bell Ice Cream Creameries -- you can take a tour! It really is the best damn Ice Cream in the Country! glad you got to visit someone in real life, and hope it works out. hugs, bert

we just got back yesterday, and had a FANTASTIC time. we will definitely be cruising again in the near future. it could have been that we were on Celebrity, but the food was fantastic (easy 4-star in the main restaurant, and 5-star in the specialty restaurant), and we got sooooo close to Hubbard Glacier, and got to walk on Mendenhall Glacier. just wanted to pop back in and thank Elissa for the advice, as it was EXTREMELY helpful!

Paul McCartney is playing the first of two sold out shows (the only in Texas), tonight. we actually had tickets, but couldn't go (we have a very early morning flight tomorrow, and will be asleep by 6pm). Our neighbors got a nice gift for watching our house/feeding the dogs while we are gone tho LOL. . so it's the last concert I WISH I could have attended !

What they need is an area like what Knott's is currently putting in. a scrambler, a flyer, and a wild mouse (over water features) would be HUGE hits at Sea World. Families would love them, and has been said, there is a ton of space at SW in San Antonio for expansion. An area like this could easily be installed and break up the long treks between current exhibits

another great gone. the man who absolutely defined the sound of the Doors has passed. R.I.P. Ray Manzarek Jim Morrison may have been the voice, but you were the driving engine behind him with those unique keyboards.

KISS took from the Dolls for sure, but also from Alice Cooper and David Bowie.

they CREATED the idea of merchandising for a band. (just for that they can never qualify as overrated, as they added something to the Rock and Roll genre that is now firmly part of it). an idea that was criticized by many, many folks (including other bands) who then COPIED their ideas for merchandising. and also mention not only are several of the songs considered classics (even if folks don't know they are KISS songs. . seriously, tons of people still think "Beth" is a Rod Stewart song), but Ace Frehley also influenced TONS of lead guitarists.

but you are incorrect. they ARE as influential as a lot of people make them out to be. and they are just as influential as the Beatles. So were Black Sabbath just as influential as the Beatles. you are confusing your musical PREFERENCE with actual influence.

well said, and entirely accurate. and what you've said also applies to: Rush and KISS -- which made it particularly galling that the Rock and Rolll Hall of Fame dragged their heels so long on Rush, and still have not inducted KISS. those that rate these two bands as "overrated" simply do not understand the term.

man, Dr. Joyce Brothers dies and not a mention here? shame on you young-uns! RIP kind lady, I grew up with you on my TV.

well done! and great pics too

we LOVE Flamingo, and always stay there when we go to Vegas (this latest quick trip is the only time we didn't stay at Flamingo). while not an upscale property, Flamingo is most certainly NOT a "s#ithole" Harrah's is lower-end, Wal-mart crowd. And Bally's is slightly above Harrah's -- heck, the building used to be the MGM Grand! It's worn down, but it's Holiday Inn level place. Really the only property that WOULD qualify is Imperial Palace/O'shea's .. which kind of revelled in it's cheapness (kinda like Circus Circus does). . so i was surprised they decided to try to upgrade it. and did you mean Rio instead of Planet Hollywood? I know Caesar's owns Rio, but have never seen them advertise Planet Hollywood, and it's not part of their Total Rewards package).

^^ they did have that great Steakhouse tho