jynx242

Amazing report! I think someone said it earlier, but I'm amazed that they have the coasters up and running at all. It seems that sandstorms would play hell with lift chains and such. I think that some of the "uber-technological" coasters that we have in the US just plain wouldn't work in the heat and sand in Egypt. I think it's really great that they have theme parks in sight of the Pyramid's. It's like RCT in real life! Thanks for the report. It got me out of my head (and my office) for a while this morning. David

Well said my friend! This is a point that I have been trying to get across to "younger" folks for a while now. Be who you are - that's all you have to do. Realize that hormones are hormones - and that you don't have to get into a relationship so soon. Be yourself - accept yourself - find friends that you respect and that respect you - enjoy life. Kudos! You have renewed my faith in people! Thanks! David

^DBru - no offense taken. People were definitely homosexual "back then" and have been for all of recorded history. In modern history - there was fear of being seen as gay (there still is the same fear somewhat - but homosexuality is more visual today.) People would live a lie, and pretend to be something that they weren't. This is the reason that "Gay Pride" events go on. It is because of people working with Pride orginizations that the general public has "some" more knowledge of GBLT society than it did. David

When I lived in Dallas I had a HUGE circle of gay friends. I found metropolitan Texas to be as gay friendly as Atlanta or Savannah is. However, I don't think I'd break out the rainbow flag in "small town" Texas any more than I would in "small town" Georgia. D.

I have three in my left ear, one in my right, both nipples, navel and tounge. I had my nose pierced twice, but in the world of banking...not really accepted. I don't wear my earrings or tounge ring to work, but can usually be found sporting them on weekends. David

^ Don't worry - you're going on one this summer aren't you?? It will be a blast. This is just getting me more charged up for the East Coast tour later this year!

Gosh - I'd forgotten "The Neverending Paratrooper Ride" That was NUTS. The swings also kinda scared the snot out of me as well, especially with the water show going on under you. Gary - weren't you making all of those crazy squeaking noises on that launch tower?? good times...good times... Thanks Jahan - appreciate the memories. David

I remember the heat and the wait on Roadrunner Express. There was a guy in front of us in line that was waving to have his family come up and get in line for him. My HILARIOUS roomate Terrance had a little "moment" when he told the guy that that wasn't gonna' happen. The moment truly released alot of heat induced tension for me.

Can't wait - Universal Orlando for Thanksgiving with my boyfriend (generaleclectic) and meeting up with the "0rder of the Turkey" - otherwise known as Scott, Jenn, Terrance, Kimby, Jacob and I think Michael and his boyfriend. All people that I met on the Mid-West trip this past summer. Can't wait to see y'all again!! Boy is Eli's sister pissed

^^ OOPS! I quit my job before the Mid-West trip. Actually - I left work for the last time and left for the airport. I did have a job waiting for me upon my return (I started here August 15.) I just send money in monthly to R&E for the next trip - and will make some bigger installments during the holidays and during tax time. Then - I'll get the plane ticket. After that, I start saving for Scandanavia '09. You'll find that putting a little extra aside each month, and sending in monthly installments of $200 - $250 - and all of a sudden the next year's trip is paid for. Good luck -

Allison - I also quit my job for the East Coast trip - but I had another job lined up to begin directly after it. I had also saved up enough money to make sure that the rent and car payment got paid for September. Bonuses will be paying for much of my trip this year - plus the ever present tax return. D.

^ Golly - If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were a "redneck!" Thanks for the updateWill!! Appreciate it.

FYI The DOW closed down 120.96 The NASD closed down 25.81 The S&P closed down 19.43 Not such a great day for the market. David

Totally glad you are here!!!! Like moose said, you gals are almost up to the 1% mark!! Woo-hoo!!! David

^^ I went to BAMA many, many moons ago. Go to a councilor, or just go to the Hospital itself and go to the HR department and ask someone. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the people who work there. Also - UAB (I know it's not Tuscaloosa, but Birmingham) has several medical programs (or at least it did in the early 90's.) As far as affording the trips - I send money each month (makes the deposits less intimidating.) I get $$$ from the folks at Christmas, and use my tax return as well. My partner and I aren't getting each other big gifts at Christmas - we're putting that money towards the trip. There are alot of good ideas and practices on how to afford the trips in the Ask Alvey thread. Robb and Elissa explain in detail how they afford to go on all of the trips that they go on. I still have alot of fun and live a good life - but I have cut out alot of unnecessary expenses, and save up some money. Paying for the Mid-West tour last year actually MADE me budget my money and has helped me out in day-to-day life as well. Remember - take it one day at a time, do the next right thing, think before you make any big decisions, don't waste your money, save and budget. It is well worth it, i promise. David

^ I have to agree with Erik. The staff at SFKK was AMAZING. The park was clean, operations were great and Deluge was alot of fun. The staff at the park went out of there way to make sure that our day there was packed with fun (and lunch with Bugs and Daffy was hilarious.) Good job - and keep up the good work. After my day there, SFKK is a park that I will definitely visit again. Regards, David McCollum

I think it's great! When we were there on the Midwest tour - the water park was PACKED!! We went in to ride a couple slides - then decided to go out into the rest of the park to get away from the crowds. This will let people spread out a bit - and keep them sliding so us coaster geeks can get in more rides on Voyage, Raven and Legend.

^ Very well put - several precious metals funds (and the underlying stocks) are doing VERY WELL at the moment, while financial institutions - not so hot. I completely agree with your forcast - and it appears you would be one of the people that I referred to as able to trade options, etc.... As with anything in life - be as knowledgeable as you can, and when necessary - retain the services of a professional. D.

Mine is 4/12/1971 Joy to the World - Three Dog Night - US Hot Love - T. Rex - UK Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson - AUS hmmmmmmmmm

I am a registered rep. for a Securities company. The market isn't such a good place to be these days with all of the volitility we've been seeing and with the Fed. dropping interest rates. I recommend to my clients a balanced and varied Mutual Fund portfolio. This way - you are investing in different companies, but in groups. Invest a larger percentage in a stable bond fund (rates for bonds go UP as interest rates go DOWN), with a percentage in higher risk areas like "Small-Cap value" and "precious metals." That's what is working for my clients at the moment. David There is quite a bit of money to be made in trading puts and calls - but you need to have investment experience and knowledge of the markets to do it successfully. Options trading is very high risk, but in on the exchanges, the higher the risk - the higher the reward. Most wire houses and investment firms require you to have investment experience and knowledge (like Elissa's dad) before they will even authorize you trade puts and calls, sell short, options or futures trade inside of your brokerage account. If you get the chance, talk to someone about it and retain the services of a Financial Advisor to keep you from losing your shirt .

What board do you read first? - The East Coast Tour forum (the Mid-West board last year.) Then Donkeys, then Random - How often do you visit? - I have TPR up in the background all day at work - How many pages through each board do you read? - Usually - I read the first page, since I pretty much keep up I can scan the first page for new threads. On occasion, I will go back pages - but usually to see what kind of witty / sly comment you guys make when locking threads. - Are there certain types of posts you read more than others? Everything involving whichever trip I am going on next. Almost every Photo Trip Report, and usually the Movies and Sexual Orientation threads in Random... - Do you do anything else besides reading the forum - PM's with the friends I have made here - download videos of coasters that I love - will read (and sometimes re-read) Massive Photo Trip Reports because they make me laugh. Don't often chat. - Tell us anything else you want about your TPR visits! - I just like keeping in touch with the folks here. I lived vicariously through the posts, then took the Mid-west trip. Now I look at parks that I will be visiting, and revel in the wit and (usually) intelligent discourse on this site. Since the MOD's and Alvey's do such a good job at keeping this place clean and intelligent, it's the only forum I visit. Others give me a headache just looking at them. Thanks for all you do David

^ The sequel wasn't nearly as good as the original, but it was definitely worth seeing, just because it does kind of continue the story. The kitchen scene was my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE!! Accidental poisonings, random shootings and a total bloodbath (all with schoolgirls in uniform!!!!) I've heard several things about a U.S. remake and I'm certain that it won't be as good (we here in the U.S. lack the Asian sense of humor which is VASTLY different than ours) but I'll still see it - just because I'm a glutton for punishment! I recently saw an Asian - direct to video - B Movie called Slashers. I think that if you liked BR - you'll like it as well. David

^^ Battle Royale is one of my favorite movies EVER! Did you know that there is a sequel?? I read about it on a website (joblo.com - arrow in the head) and had to find it. Watched it with a bunch of friends and LOVED IT! Japanese school girls with machine guns ROCK!!! David

Here in the US I think it is like most places. Tolerance varies from city to city, region to region. I live in the Southeastern United States (redneck country.) This is generally thought of as a rather intolerant area, but I am from Atlanta, GA - which is a large city and has a very large gay population. I now live in Savannah, GA which is a smaller Southeastern city - but with its Historic architechture and large art college (Savannah College of Art and Design) it is very welcoming of diverse people. There are many cities between Savannah and Atlanta in which I CERTAINLY wouldn't wish to be gay. David

Thanks for the memories! Happy belated birthday! In case nobody tells you today...YOU ROCK! David