Meteornotes

Wow, that's just disturbing to read about. How many days did you have to spend in the hospital afterwards? My wife and I are both pretty good cooks, so I can't think of anything bad that one of us created. I do remember at various family gatherings when I was a kid people would bring jello with stuff inside, which for some reason really bothers me to look at... dt

OK, that kicked all sorts of ass! I need to do a "Dave Does Random Things Around The House" Photo report. Thrill to the excitement as he does laundry, lets the dog in/out, yells at the cat, and makes stuff in the microwave. I'm sure you would all be thrilled... dt

I await the day when someone says they liked the music from a video I did... dt

Hershey: While the park can be very crowded, the coaster lines usually do not get too long. The exceptions are Storm Runner (because it's the newest) and Roller Soaker (because the capacity isn't all that great). If you want the RS credit, I'd advise heading there first, or waiting until closer to park closing to ride if you're going to be there the full day. The longest lines in the park are usually for the various water rides (splash down boat, rapids) so it's probably best to get to those early too. Food at Hershey is OK, nothing really stands out in my mind. They have a lot of "chain" places (Taco Bell, Subway) so you'll be able to find things you probably like. You can't bring your own food/drink into the park. Overall, the park is well run and it's one of the better parks in the US. Dorney: The water park is the big draw here, as it's one of the best in the US. Be prepared for long lines. If you have no desire to go to the waterpark, the rest of the park is pretty easy to do. I haven't been there this year, so I have no idea what the Hydra lines are like, so I can't really offer advice on that one. One strategy might be to go to the back of the park (Steel Force) and work your way forward. Honestly, I've never really had trouble with crowds here, other than at the water park. Be prepared for almost no shade (thanks, Cedar Fair!) and plenty of trash cans! As far as food, it's pretty bad here. You will not be able to bring food/drinks into the park. You're a lot better off just snacking on something safe like soft pretzels, and leaving the park for food. There's a McDonald's across the street, and just down the road are a TGI Fridays and a Carrabba's. Hope this was helpful... dt

One of the funniest things I've ever witnessed was Rattum's racing around your apartment in his ball. Sorry to hear he's ill... dt

Wow, do they ever run two trains on the Phantom? KennyKon is a class event. I'll likely never get to one again since you have to be an ACE member, but I do recommend it for those that are in ACE, as the park really does a great job during the event. Of course, Kennywood is one of the best parks on the planet, so almost any time is a great time to visit... dt

Maryland kicks ass. Reasonable cost of living (well, as long as you don't live near DC!), lots of cool places to eat, the best baseball park anywhere, and you're within a day's drive of about 35 different parks, including Knoebel's! I lived in CA for 12 years. I didn't mind LA so much (though I don't want to move back there), but you couldn't pay me to live in the bay area ever again... dt

Seems to be working fine. Looks good! dt

I have not seen any ads or other strangness. Running Firefox on this machine. dt

^ I was just about to post this. I don't get the obsession people have over having to get POV. I really don't. Can someone explain it to me? If you want to make a coaster video, you can make an AWESOME one without POV! I know, I've seen them. Hell, I've made them! The video I won with in the ACE video contest had ZERO POV in it. Hell, it hardly had any ride footage in it! But what it didn't have in POV, it made up for in my bizarre sense of humor and the way I see things. Do that instead, find something unique about the park you're visiting, or photograph things in a different way. If you want to put up pictures on a web site, there are plenty of interesting angles you can get photos of rides without being on them. Like Robb said, most POV sucks anyway. It really looks like crap unless you are very experienced with a camera and have the right equipment. Instead of worrying about getting POV, why not just put your own personality into your videos/photos, and make them stand out that way? Unless you're a professional videographer and are going to sink thousands into equipment and stuff, why bother trying to do something that you're likely not going to be allowed to do anyway? If someone can explain the POV obsession, I'd love to hear it... dt

Camden Yards = Godly. Best ballpark ever! Not that I'm biased or anything... Dave "Baltimore Rules!" Thomas

^^It would probably take you about an hour and a half to go from Hershey to Dorney, and about an hour to go from Philadelphia to Dorney, depending on traffic. dt

Of the places I've been, I'd probably pick Denmark or Sweden. Everyone in these countries seemed so mellow and relaxed compared to people here in the US. For a place I've never been but I think I'd like to live there, it would be Japan. dt

The crab cakes at the Phoenix Junction are the "fresh from the freezer" variety that you can get in the store, so they're not worth getting, especially when there's so much other good food in the park. dt

I had not heard this story before seeing it here. First of all, it is totally the fault of the gunman that the child was killed, as he's the one that was shooting at the police, and the one that attempted to use the child as a human shield. And I really get irritated whenever someone "protests" someone getting shot by police after they initiate a gun battle. Why should the police not protect themselves? This just really annoys me... dt

I've seen The Phoenix dispatched in 17 seconds. And that's pretty much the average there. Can't wait to go to Knoebel's next week... dt

Bah! My version would be: "All shows should be avoided at all costs!!!!" --Robb "NOT a show person!" Alvey 100% Agreement. Unless some park adds "The Stripper & Death Metal Show" I'll spend my time riding, thank you. I don't think I've EVER seen a decent show at a park. Dave "still has nightmares about 'The Road Show' at SFA" Thomas

The potato salad at DelGrosso's is GODLY!!! And as always, your photo TRs are highly entertaining. I'm not sure if I have all the coaster credits in PA. There's probably some kiddie coasters that I've missed... dt

^Damn, you beat me to that joke! dt

The Phoenix at Knoebel's! dt

I've been playing guitar and keyboards for a very long time. I've released some music independently, and have written music for some TV projects. I have a couple of guitars and related gear, and a lot of old synths, but I did get an 88 key Korg Triton Extreme last year which totally rules. I'm currently working on a DVD with all original animation and music that will probably take forever to complete... dt

YEAH BABY!!! I know tons of cool Europe songs, but I don't think they'll be used. Besides, I think it might be hard to put together a 20 minute coaster segment to Opeth's "Black Rose Immortal"... Dave "music expert" Thomas

I love your photo TRs, as they always make me laugh. Though all reports need more pics of axe murdering ducks! My car has about 176,000 miles on it, and will be 10 years old next month. I'm not into the whole "new car" thing, and would rather drive a car like mine that's reliable and stuff. Dave "The Toyota Corolla owns!" Thomas

^Well, I offered up all sorts of music suggestions, but I'm thinking they'll be ignored... Dave "no Strapping Young Lad in the Europe DVD, I guess" Thomas

Hey, I've been posting here since the beginning! This whole "Slayer!" thing is pretty funny, though. And Slayer really isn't death metal. Get yourself some Opeth or Dark Tranqulity and have a good time... Dave "actually enjoys some death metal" Thomas