Better Lock Up Your Daughters.....

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:02 am

I'm coming to your town! Again!!

Once again, I'll be closer than ever to some of you crazy people.

I'm now taking my kids to see the final KISS show in NYC in December. The original plan was to be on the January 2024 KISS Kruise, which was announced, but then seemed to not be happening and now it's officially called off for the year.

The plan at the moment is to head to NY and then get across the country to the LA area. Last time I drove across from Miami no problems, stopping along the way, but I'm not so sure about the weather at that time of year?

Is it safe to drive that much? Will I get stuck in a blizzard somewhere? I've never driven in the snow before, so there is that.

So I'm open to information about what is best to do? Maybe fly/train to places I want to go, but rent a car in that area, rather than drive between places?

Luxor · Post by **Luxor** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 11:11 am

Genebaby wrote: ↑Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:02 am I'm coming to your town! Again!!

Once again, I'll be closer than ever to some of you crazy people.

I'm now taking my kids to see the final KISS show in NYC in December. The original plan was to be on the January 2024 KISS Kruise, which was announced, but then seemed to not be happening and now it's officially called off for the year.

The plan at the moment is to head to NY and then get across the country to the LA area. Last time I drove across from Miami no problems, stopping along the way, but I'm not so sure about the weather at that time of year?

Is it safe to drive that much? Will I get stuck in a blizzard somewhere? I've never driven in the snow before, so there is that.

So I'm open to information about what is best to do? Maybe fly/train to places I want to go, but rent a car in that area, rather than drive between places?

It's a total crap shoot in the states that time of year. I'd at least plan on getting to NYC at least 1 day early if not 2. Look what a complete cluster **** the aviation industry was in that time of year around the same time period. Because of SWA, some people were living in airports for a week or longer.

And that time of year even driving south GA across thru Texas etc. One can run into ice storms or snow.

It would have been far better if KISS had that final concert in early November or into middle March or later. They just put it smack dab in the "unknown" period

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:33 pm

No idea how they planned it but now it's what we have to deal with. I guess they can maybe relax the rest of the month and ease into Christmass with their families now that it's all over.

I don't like the sound of ice storms.....

In 2014 it was early November after the Kruise and I did notice it was getting colder after we left areas like Nashville, going towards LA. Did stop in Texas to meet a friend but all was clear.

December, not so much i seems.

Luxor · Post by **Luxor** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:04 am

I'd say get into NYC at least 1 and better yet 2 days early just in case you experience troubles.

Then fly from NYC to Miami and use the rental car for the rest of the trip.

If there is a cluster **** like last year and the airports shut down, all the rental cars will be gone. Make sure you have a confirmed rental car in Miami. Don't let them screw you and say "we ran out of cars".

Then plan your trip out west based on constantly checking weather forecast. You may have to adjust and stay further south than say going up towards Nashville.

I would recommend staying at the Gaylord Texan on the way out west. Their "ice" stuff is wonderful for the family.
https://christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com/

I'd also check out the residencies going on in Vegas. So many great shows that time of year. Or maybe you could catch an NFL or College Football game at Allegiant Stadium.

Have a great time. Safe travels.

Post by **Genebaby** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:41 pm

I think I will avoid Miami area this time, as I went there last time and avoided going further east to NY!

Pre planning what I can is such a lot of work, but at least I have time to think it through.

Whatever happens we will land in the US a few days before the first event to get used to the time zone.

Luxor · Post by **Luxor** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 2:34 am

Genebaby wrote: ↑Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:41 pm I think I will avoid Miami area this time, as I went there last time and avoided going further east to NY!

Pre planning what I can is such a lot of work, but at least I have time to think it through.

Whatever happens we will land in the US a few days before the first event to get used to the time zone.

Even without the snow it looks like the US has been in a cluster **** with air travel. I bet alot of people wish they hadn't voted for Biden and got stuck with Mayor Pete as transportation secretary

The long lines at airports. Over 20% of planes won't be able to fly. All that 5G nonsense by the airports.

Gonna make for alot of fun 4th of July travel there.

Post by **Genebaby** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:30 am

Sounds like it could be so much fun! More thinking and planning on the way!

Post by **Genebaby** » Sat Aug 12, 2023 2:46 pm

The trip is taking shape. A few days after KISS we'll fly out to Nashville to catch up with peeps and then drive out from there, stopping at cool places along the way, staying further south for better weather.

So Graceland is a goer again as two of the group have not been there before, and though my son hasn't seen the show we will do a mini tour of the Breaking Bad filming locations so he can see the house that had the pizza on it etc.

This time we will see the Grand Canyon as well, probably via a day trip from Vegas, before hitting California and catching up with people there and doing some days at some theme parks and catching some cool shows as well, until it's time to go home.

shramiac · Post by **shramiac** » Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:24 pm

"will see the Grand Canyon as well"

You're going to meet Mia Khalifa?

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:35 pm

shramiac wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:24 pm "will see the Grand Canyon as well"

You're going to meet Mia Khalifa?

What????

Slayer · Post by **Slayer** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 1:57 am

Genebaby wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:35 pm
shramiac wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:24 pm "will see the Grand Canyon as well"

You're going to meet Mia Khalifa?

What????

Retired Arabic Porn Star

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:40 am

I know who she is, LoL.....just not sure how and why he managed to get her in this thread. I think there is a bit of an obsession there.

Me: I'm going to go to the shop.
Shram: To see Mia?

Me: I got some big new tyres for the rear of my car
Shram: Like Mia's big rear end?

Me: Happy Birthday Shram!
Sharm: Is it Mia's birthday too?

shramiac · Post by **shramiac** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 10:04 am

Genebaby wrote: ↑Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:40 am
Shram: Like Mia's big rear end?

You answered it there.

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:39 pm

Slayer · Post by **Slayer** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 1:47 am

This is so amusing, I will refrain from posting a picture of Mia's Rear End

I think that Andrew has a little something for the pretty girls from the Middle Eastern Part of the world

I imagine seeing this fully covered figure with these beautiful brown eyes peering out of the head dress and then unwrapping the clothing to reveal that beautiful colored skin and amazing behind LOL. Go Andrew!

Post by **Genebaby** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:11 am

Mia, Mia, Mia!!!! This thread is about ME!!!!!!!!!

Post by **Genebaby** » Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:14 am

Well, here we are. In a week from today we'll be at Sydney International Airport to fly to LA and then on to NY.

I can't believe the trip is almost upon us. We'll see some of you guys soon!!!

birnie · Post by **birnie** » Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:42 pm

Awesome !
Lots of updates please

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:57 am

I will try!!

shramiac · Post by **shramiac** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 5:58 pm

No breaking your ankle this time!!!!

Post by **Genebaby** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 6:41 pm

I did that weeks before I left last time. If I break it now, I'm stuffed. Though I'm not doing dangerous activities now.

Though it's a good reminder to be careful in general. Gotta watch out for yourself.

Post by **Genebaby** » Fri Dec 01, 2023 7:12 am

Made it over, been wandering around, shopping and going to see the Nicks tonight at MSG.

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:39 am

So the primary purpose of this trip has been accomplished. KISS at MSG for their last show ever as they now turn into digital versions of themselves.

So KISS 2.0 is digital, not other people with talent taking over touring. Let's see how that goes.

Post by **Genebaby** » Sun Dec 10, 2023 1:49 pm

So I'm well over a week into my trip and this time a week ago I was at MSG with the kids, waiting for KISS to start. Now I'm in a hotel in Oklahoma on my way Vegas, via Albuquerque (Breaking Bad stuff, ha ha).

Our time in NY was great, intense, but great. Also cold!!! We ended up getting a bit sick and I spent the last day there resting instead of going out in the cold again. I had woken up in the middle of the night having trouble breathing!! Not a good feeling. Thankfully a bit of steam and sitting up more instead of lying down and it has been fine since.

The KISS show itself was great, I think they upped the pyro level for this show, being the last, and being shown on PPV. I managed to film the whole show as intended and it was up to 179K views on YT before Paul and Gene had it removed by their lawyers. They didn't ping me for the other KISS shows on there, and they seem to have left a whole lot of other people uploading similar stuff, including the actual PPV show! So I'm not sure if they will clean those up too, or if I got special treatment.

As KISS fans there at the end we did hope for more, but it was good to be there to see the end of what we now know as physical KISS, as they turned into stupid avatars. Who sold them on that idea? The same person that sold them on The Elder?

I'm not a fan of this direction, it will be a lot easier to just move on with life and not worry about KISS now I guess. Good luck to them, but I don't see this working long term. I just don't like how it looks and don't see the appeal in concerts from this new incarnation.

KISS week in NY was very cool, I got some of the Metro cards and a newspaper and some cookies. Saw the KISS taxi cabs and visited the KISS pop-up store where I got a T-shirt and the special bag they had their for customers.

We saw the NY Nicks play two nights before KISS, so it was cool to be in MSG that night for a run through. Security is crazy there! Similar story at places like the Ferry to visit the Statue Of Liberty. It's like visiting a small airport having to get through security. You do what you gotta do.

We saw the 911 memorial and then the Museum. Sobering stuff.

Once NY was finally done we did a quick stop over into Nashville to pick up a car and I met up with our very own podcaster Chris Czynszak. It's been 9 years!

Now we're travelling and did many miles today with just a stop overnight before we keep going tomorrow and the next day until Vegas on Tuesday.

Just found out about a Route 66 car museum so we'll do that tomorrow or the next day before getting to Albuquerque.

n3p · Post by **n3p** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 11:18 pm

Thanks for sharing Vic, sounds like you're having an awesome time and I am jealous!

Enjoy Vegas

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 3:45 pm

Thanks man, good to hear from you.

We have done Vegas, what a crazy place. Reminds me of LA once you get away from the strip, but boy, the strip!

Just got back from our first theme park day at Universal. We were there for over 12 hours, it was an early start, getting there before 7am for early access to Nintendo World as that place gets crazy and you can't use an Express Pass to beat the queues. Otherwise it was Express Pass Unlimited for the win, going for rides nice and quick over and over again.

It was cool to see the evolution of the Jurassic Park ride into Jurassic World, and the slight difference in the Back Lot tour, because JAWS is back!!! He was part of the tour for so long but was not included in 2014, but he was back, trying to attack us. So cool.

So a few things new and different, some things the same. It did seem to get busier as the day turned to early evening so we left after the 6.30pm Water World show, which was cool. Seems the same as last time, just different actors.

Last time the park closed about 5pm I'm sure. I recall doing the last Back Lot tour at 4pm, and then sneaking in one last Simpsons Ride using Express, thinking that all those people in line surely won't get on the ride as there is no time. Now it seems they close at 10, but it's a long day and even busier so a good time to leave. We'll do it again in early Jan.

I did do the car swap when we got to LA, returned the Chevy SUV and got a Chevy Malibu. It's ok, pretty zippy and lighter on fuel than the SUV, but I did reserve a VW Passat (or similar) in the Premium segment. A Malibu is not premium, LoL. Oh well, it is doing the job, and I am now familiar with the dash layout now, so that was handy.

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:39 pm

Rain has changed our plans a bit this week. Lucky our day at Universal was good but today was supposed to be a Disney day, but luckily it's the one park that I have booked that you can change your date, so I have moved it further up the timeline, compacting things a bit as it's nice to have a day you can sleep in a bit more in between.

Today it was outlet shopping at Citadel, a new one to me, but some good stuff at the Adidas shop for me. Last time I went to the Orange County outlet, which we'll do again.

More rain tomorrow so we'll see a movie, the new Godzilla one looks cool, my son is keen to see it.

Post by **Genebaby** » Sun Dec 24, 2023 3:52 pm

We saw the new Godzilla, a VERY cool movie! I recommend it.

Then we braved a litte bit of wet weather to go to Knott's Berry Farm yesterday. Was a great day, full of great rides, and my youngest child, who was giving me grief about not wanting to go on scary fast rides had a change of heart and did them all with his sister and me. We did get the Fast Lane passes, which are way too much, but very necessary as we just skipped those queues and rode so many rides, which is what we needed to do with our limited time there.

Our rest day today turned exciting when we were hanging out in Beverley Hills and MET PAUL STANLEY!!!! He was just there so I got the nerve up to speak with him and he was very nice, had a little chat, suggested we get a photo and got us to move into a better spot for the lighting. A real treat!

I also got to catch up with our very own Dino, which was great, to finally meet up and talk in person, he's quite a character.

Tomorrow, day one at Disneyland! Let's see how that goes.

BigEd · Post by **BigEd** » Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:12 pm

That's Picture is Freaking Awesome....talk about a Great Christmas Present !

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Dec 25, 2023 2:36 am

Thanks. It was a very cool experience.

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Dec 26, 2023 5:07 am

Merry Christmas from California everyone!!

We were at Disneyland yesterday and California Adventure Park tomorrow so today is a day of much needed rest.

Time to get a coffee soon.

Luxor · Post by **Luxor** » Sat Dec 30, 2023 10:41 am

Interesting trip report.

Post by **Genebaby** » Sun Dec 31, 2023 3:44 am

We've done California Adventure Park and another Disney day with California Adventure mixed in, we can hop between the parks. The Rise Of The Resistance ride is as impressive as I had heard, most impressive!!

Rain has changed the schedule a bit so the last week here is getting busy as there are two more Disney Park visits and another Universal day.

I saw Stephen Pearcy at the Whiskey last night, great show. I was just at the top of the stairs, great place to watch and film, and noticed Carlos Cavazo arrive. He hung around near me for a little bit then went backstage.

During the show they said there was a reunion happening, and it wasn't Carlos like I thought, it was the little kid who played Stephen in the Lay It Down Video, he was in attendance and went onto the stage. I couldn't beleive it, it with the really short guy who was talking near me for a while, I had no idea who he was. He hadn't seen Stephen since the video I think.

THEN!!!! For the very last song Carlos came out and played one of the guitar players Charvels on Walkin' The Dog.

That was cool.

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:38 am

The journey continues. I went back to the Whisky for NYE where is seems LA Guns play every year.

I would have liked more songs from the first two albums, especially Cocked and Loaded, and it seems Phil Lewis is not as cool as he was in the 80s.

I did see a terrible pic with him in a mesh top, and a few days before he played a show in a really strange outfit. Thankfully he didn't use that one at the NYE show, but he still somehow missed the mark. If he was my frontman I'd be unhappy, and the moustache really has to go.

If I never see them live again, I'll be ok. I think the Cocked and Loaded tour would have been their peak. I bought Hollywood Vampires and the music didn't match the title and it went downhill from there.

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:40 am

There has been more Disney and shopping/looking around days and soon we go home. Today is casual but tomorrow we get up early to be at universal studios before 7am, again, and then Disney on Friday one last time and then packing to go home the next day.

I think I'll be done with Disney for a while after this! The kids are having fun though, which is what it's about.

Luxor · Post by **Luxor** » Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:53 am

Genebaby wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:38 am If I never see them live again, I'll be ok. I think the Cocked and Loaded tour would have been their peak. I bought Hollywood Vampires and the music didn't match the title and it went downhill from there.

Hollywood Vampires was a huge decline for LA Guns. Such a disappointment.

And who produced that turd? hmmmm I know ... Michael James Jackson. He doesn't have the best resume for albums when Vinnie isn't around.

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:11 pm

The sound and power were all gone from that album. Some songs are ok, but it was not what I was expecting.

I couldn't claim that MJJ can only produce good stuff with Vinnie around, Killers was a great sound. Very balanced and rocky.

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:11 pm

We'll, after some more time at the parks we have landed back in Australia and are close to being home, which will be nice!

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 9:37 am

It's the next day and we're back home, which is nice. My Lick It Up albums and box are here and look awesome. I'm still debating wether to open them or not.

Until the next time!

birnie · Post by **birnie** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:32 pm

Geez you packed in a lot of stuff!
What's this LIU albums and Box?

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:46 pm

We did, we did, we are glad to be relaxing at home with no more fun obligations to do! And I am not driving a rental car on the other side of the road on the other side of the road. Felt good to return it accident free.

The LIU stuff is these two things:

https://shopkissonline.com/collections/ ... dition-1lp

https://shopkissonline.com/collections/ ... cture-disc

I have the original Japanese pressing of LIU already.

birnie · Post by **birnie** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:52 pm

They look pretty good!
Double gatefold on the first one plus all the goodies.
Actually looks like decent value.
I've got one copy on vinyl, that's enough for me, but i know you're LIU mad, so.... awesome !!

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:55 pm

Yes, I have more than one copy on vinyl already, plus this stuff. Sweet, sweet LIU!!

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:34 am

It's been fairly easy adjusting to being back, the flight home was long but also spanned the night time in Australia so we arrived in the morning and have been sleeping normal since, but still just a bit tired regardless.

It was nice to give back the rental again, with no accident over all that time on the crazy roads. It stresses me out thinking about it now, but I got used to driving on the left and unlike last time I didn't wander slightly to the wrong side during a turn.

What I did do yesterday in a shopping carpark was exit from the right side, like in the US, and a lady was coming in, wondering what the hell I was doing! I realised it was me in the wrong but for good reason. Otherwise I'm good driving on the normal side again, ha ha.