jynx242

Meh - the new Halloween... I heard or read a reviewer saying that it was a good "Companion Piece" to the original. I went into it with that in mind and enjoyed it. When viewing it as a different movie - it was pretty good. COMPLETELY different (in style, scares and motive) than the original - but fine. Definitely missed Jamie Lee Curtis though. She is, and always will be, the original Scream Queen. On a different note - I just watched a zero budget slasher with my friends and totally enjoyed it. It's called Chainsaw Sally. It's about a mild-mannered librarian by day whose alter ego is a goth, maniac, chainsaw weilding, uber chick. Funny as all get-out and a great "bad" movie to enjoy with friends. David

I had the same concerns last year about the Mid-West trip. In my experience - just get the deposit in. The people on the UK trip had first dibs on spots for this summers trips, but there were more trips available so it wasn't a problem getting a spot. Also - things happen and people have to drop out, or decide on another trip. R & E do their best so they don't have to turn anyone away. I don't recall hearing anything about a waiting list for the Mid-West trip this summer, and If I'm not mistaken - the final two spots on the trip were filled at the last minute.

I have to agree with everyone about the adventure and weather during our arrival to CP. If I weren't with the TPR crew - it would have been AWFUL! For some reason though, being with that bunch - it was actually a blast. Never thought being tired, in the dark, then tired, cold and wet could be fun. Who knew?? Also - :::sings::: "Everyone looks forward to Friday's!" David "ironic at the bar" McCollum Thanks to everyone on the trip for making the whole experience into an adventure - You guys all ROCK

For those of you who don't know him - Gary is one laid back dude. If he were any more relaxed - he'd be in a coma. This is why, when he got angry or upset (i.e. - Spinning Dragons and Steak-n-Wait) it was WAY OUT OF CHARACTER - therefore we believe (our core group) that we witnessed something special Love ya' Gary - even when you're pissy! David

I just thought I'd share my experience from wanting to go, deciding to go, and attending the Mid-West tour. I was uber-stressed about getting the deposit in and was FREAKED out by the idea of a wait list / lottery. I found that R&E really do everything possible to make sure that people get to go on the trips that they want to go on. The original group that signed up for the Mid-West tour was VASTLTY different than the group that actually went. If you want to go - send a deposit. Don't stress on it. People drop out, change trips, run out of money...you will very likely be with a bunch of insane people at "coaster summer camp from hell" next year. R&E put SO MUCH WORK into these trips which is why they are limited. There were plenty of people that met up with us at the parks and had a blast - but arranging ERT for 50 or 100 people is MUCH MORE work than it looks like. When I signed up for the Mid-West trip last year (as well as signing up for the East Coast Trip this year) I put my faith in Robb and Elissa. If you are here, you have most likely seen Trip Reports of their other trips. They are WONDERFUL at planning these things. My advice is to send in your deposit, plan on going, and let them plan the trip. It is what they do, and they are good at it. Thanks again to R&E. You guys are great. David

^^Sick and pissy?? Understatement of the FREAKING YEAR!! I'm just kidding - if someone didn't know you, they would just think you were tired; but WE KNEW BETTER! Was this the same evening as the Steak-n-Shake debacle??? Miss you guys still David P.S. GARY + MILKSHAKE + CHILI + WAITING = ERUPTION

Thanks for the trip report. It was lovely meeting you and Leane, and you were a fantastic "bus captain." I agree completely with enjen on her comment above. Voyage = Sex. Fantastic coaster. The bugs at CP made for some interesting night rides. I was laughing so hard on Gemini (people with their hands in the air, until the "bug zone" then waving their hands in front of their faces, the hands back up...) that I ate an entire family of gnats. Lovely lovely trip and I can NOT WAIT for next year. Anyone considering going next year - DO IT. Get on a waiting list if necessary. BEST VACATION EVER. David

Wes - thanks for the photo report. Coming from anyone else - it just wouldn't make sense. Since meeting you on the trip - I can "see" your point. Scared the people in the bank when I came upon the Gemini Trash Can picture. I laughed quite loudly and my office door was open. As far as PKI - I had a blast there, but not because of the rides, theming, navigation challenge, heat (that all kind of sucked.) It was great being with everyone from TPR. The hardest thing to understand is why I knowingly got on SOB. I knew what it would do to me, but the Coaster Dork came out in me and I willing got on. Next time I decide to do that - I'd like a friend to just punch me in the face, then beat me with a baseball bat. The end result would be the same. David

Hanno - I can't express my gratitude for your trip report. My pictures, although funny, aren't nearly as FANTASTIC as yours. I swear I could almost smell the funnel cakes looking at yours. It is so cool that you managed to hang out with just about every person on the trip, and capture them on film without their knowing it!! I would like to add that the pictures of me in strange contortions or configurations were during random "TPR Dance Parties" that we threw every once in a while. I don't usually walk around looking like a strange bird of prey (or do I???) David

T-boo - thanks for posting these. I'm right back on the trip (although I'm really sitting in my office, staring out the window, thinking about next year's trip.) I have to mention that Terrance was the BEST ROOMATE EVER!!! Besides being a great and fun guy, he is HILARIOUS!!!! Take care Nyeep

Thanks for the GL pictures. I was happy that we (as a group) decided on Kennywood, but I don't know much about this one. Glad you got to go. David

^ I'll agree. I rode it by myself, and all I can compare it to is being shoved into a metal trashcan and being rolled down a hill. The greatest thing about the Toboggan was the sounds that the riders made on the bunny-hop at the end of the ride. PRICELESS. David

Don't know how I missed this thread. Erasure is one of my FAVORITE bands ever. The Advocate magazine refers to them as a "supergroup" and I have to agree. They have A TON of albums out, and as a gay boy from the 80's, they were a big part of my musical entertainment growing up. Andy Bell has a fierce solo album out called Electric Blue. It's great. I didn't get to get up to Atlanta to see them last month, because all of my vacation time is earmarked for the Midwest trip next week, so thanks Robb for sharing. Louise - I'm going to see the Cure in Atlanta on September 15! Before my Erasure craze, I wanted to BE Robert Smith in high school. The pictures of that hairdo are hilarious! David

I host a weekly "bad movie night" with dinner for friends. Last week we watched DEAD ALIVE - a zombie flick from New Zeland. IT ROCKS!!! I can see why it is such a cult classic. Freaking hilarious, gross-out, irreverent... Also - Peter Jackson (yes, that Peter Jackson) was one of the screenwriters and director. If you get the chance to rent it, do so. David

1. What is your best friend's Mum's name? Barbara 2. What body part do you hate? elbows 3. Who was the hottest teacher you ever had? I had an UBER-hot P.E. teacher whose name I can't remember. The ONLY good thing about P.E. 4. Have you ever made out in a movie theatre? Certainly 5. What body part do you wash first? Arms 6. Do you have any piercings? Several 7. Have you ever had withdrawal symptoms from fast food? Not from fast food. 8. Is your driveway steep? I currently have a Parking Lot - but my parents driveway is steep 9. What's your favourite flavoured Pringles? plain - I've got the fever.... 10. Have you ever been tied up? yeppers - naughty 11. What was the worst thing you ever got grounded for? Getting arrested at 16 for drinking in the local KFC parking lot 12. Have you ever thrown up over something you've treasured? Oh hell yes. I used to be quite the hellion 13. Have you ever had two dates in one night? Yes I have but I don't recommend it - it is a whole lot of work 14. How many times have you been cursed at? dear lord - I lost count at age 5 15. Which shoe do you put on first? Left 17. Have you ever been to a gay bar? YES I HAVE. OFTEN. 18. Have you ever had any Friends with Benefits? yep 19. Is there one thing all of your love interests have had in common? not really 20. Where's the most random place you've ever awekened? The roof of an Atlanta high rise apartment building 21. Have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting? Yes to both 22. Who is the last person you usually think about before you fall asleep? I'm too tired to remember at that point - probably my boyfriend Eli 23. Have you ever had a song written about you? not that I know of 24. If you had to choose to not ever wash your bed sheets again or not wash your bath towel ever again, which would you choose? I would reject the situation that would force me to make such a choice...ewww 25. Have you ever found anything in your parents' bedroom that was questionable? It's how I learned what a condom was. 26. What was your childhood nickname? Duckie 27. When is the last time you played the air guitar? In morning rush hour this morning 28. Have you ever peeked in the opposite sexes locker room? Nope - I don't roll like that. 29. Have you ever groped someone before and then yelled 'stop groping me'? No - but it sounds like an interesting idea 30. Have you ever bitten your toenails? Nope - but I could if I wanted to 31. How do you normally eat your Oreo cookies? Eat the frosting and toss the cookie 32. Have you ever stopped in the middle of the street to do the YMCA? As often as possible. 33. Name something you do when you're alone that you wouldn't do in front of others? this question is too naughty for me to answer (just kidding) - I hook rugs 34. Have you ever tried to kiss a policeman/fireman/nurse? What do you mean tried - I complete what I start 35. Have you ever randomly gone up to someone and asked for their picture/autograph/moblie number? It is a great way to meet people 36. How many drinks does it take before you get drunk? I don't drink any longer - but it used to take between 6 and 8 37. Why are you doing this survey? Because I hate my job and this is taking me "out of the office" for a minute - this is my "happy place" 38. Have you ever got into your birthday suit while drunk? Yep - why do you think I don't drink any longer 39. Do you scrunch or fold your toilet paper? Scrunch 40. Do you have any strange phobias? I am terrified of Spiders which is a normal phobia - I'm also terrified of shipwrecks.

^^ Terrence - you are SUCH a showoff!!!! David "a little bit jealous??" McCollum

The new song is great - as is most of their stuff. I think I'll have an 80's techno-pop ride home from work today. I have an Erasure CD in the car (Pet Shop Boy's also.) Think I'll go tease my hair up now. David

Let's hear it for Mindbender as first inversion credits. I was your sons age when I first rode it as well. Back when it was new. God I'm old... GASM is still one of my faves as well. It was my first full size coaster, and it's beautiful sitting on the lake like that. I will be there on Easter and I am quite excited. It's been a year since my last Goliath credit. David

Yeah - she was wandering around in her own little angry world...I think she was angry because she ran out of beer?

Well - for those of you not from around these parts - St. Patrick's Day is a BIG deal in Savannah. We are the 2nd or 3rd largest St. Pat's celebration in the country. There were about 700,000 people visiting our city for the parade and attendant party. Needless to say, it is a HUGE party, especially since alcohol is allowed to be taken out of bars and onto the streets in Savannah. This PTR isn't about the liquor, but about the parade and party. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. This was one of the lines just to get onto River Street. Seems like this guy is having a good time. This was another marching band - the parade was 4 hours long This guy takes the Holiday VERY seriously. By far - my favorite T-shirt of the day! Thought about mugging her to take it - but didn't. I really liked the "Irish Hippie" float Feather boas are fun!! This military marching band was AWESOME! As you can see - there were quite a few people on River Street There were random bands of pipers all over the city. This is me by the same fountain. This is the Fountain in our biggest park. Notice that it is green.

Hey - thanks for the Pictures. Those parks are beautiful! Since it will be a LONG while until I get to make it to that side of the world - I'll live vicariously through you. David

Thanks for the great Trip Report!! I'm going to SFoG on Easter Sunday and can't FREAKING wait! Goliath is a blast, and the Mindbender is one of my favorites (my first looping coaster.) After reading your trip report, I am more excited than ever. David

^ Oh yeah - I had some friends over, and everyone's eyes were a little moist at that scene. He is definitely one very complex character.

best....episode....yet. I was having full conversations with the television last night. "NO WAY!" was the phrase of the evening. I totally love that show. David

When I was 13 I got my first dirtbike (motorcycle). I had a tire blow out on my first lap of the neighborhood and hit a mailbox at 60 MPH. Broke my arm, shattered my jaw, and had road rash up one side of my body. That sucked. David "evil kenivel" McCollum