Haven't seen the topic yet, and I have a friend who will be making his first pilgrimage this year.

Can folks pipe up with their suggestions, plans, and lists?

anu3bis wrote on Feb 4^th, 2012 at 8:42pm:

Haven't seen the topic yet, and I have a friend who will be making his first pilgrimage this year. Can folks pipe up with their suggestions, plans, and lists?

Don't forget your ticket!

Bring as little as possible without leaving anything you will need. Once you get in there is not lots of storage space. I find a small pillow makes me much more comfortable. I also always bring a blanket. But I would probably bring a blanket with me everywhere if it were socially acceptable.

A toothbrush is a good idea. Asprin just in case. There is a CVS right near the theater that is open pretty late if you forget anything.

Keep the concession stand in mind if you plan to buy snacks. They make no concessions on their quality.

Anything with a light up screen should not be used during a movie. If you bring such devices please limit their use to intermissions or go to the lobby.

Also no glass bottles. There might be a bag check on the way in so nothing you will be embarrassed by. ;) Keeping in mind we are all a bunch of geeks and will find your stuffed Wookie and Star Trek slippers to be wicked cool.

Quote:

Bring: Tickets

Oh, that's what's missing. I ordered ours through Paypal on January 14th but, I have just discovered that they refused to share our mailing address with Garen! Paaaaaaypal!>:(

Or in the words of Mission Gallactica costar Lloyd Bridges:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/WWGlue.jpg

"It looks like I picked the WRONG WEEK to stop sniffin' glue!"

I used to pack pretty heavy, but I never used half the things I brought.  These days I always bring a pillow, Advil, some cash, some light health snacks (I avoid sugar and heavy food at the 'thon these days as that always precipitates a coma), and a fresh pair of socks.  Nothing more than I can fit in a small backpack.

wet wipes come in handy. some cortizone cream also.

kirok wrote on Feb 6^th, 2012 at 8:55am:

wet wipes come in handy. some cortizone cream also.

Jeeze kirok, what the hell do you do during the movies?

Metaluna wrote on Feb 6^th, 2012 at 12:52pm:

kirok wrote on Feb 6th, 2012 at 8:55am: wet wipes come in handy. some cortizone cream also. Jeeze kirok, what the hell do you do during the movies?

just wait till you're 54 and pre hemmorhoidal young lady!

Pre-hemorroidal, my a$$!!  (oh, no, wait, that's your... never mind....) 
Just wait 'til you're post-65 and pre-dementia -- you'll bring everything and then forget why you brought it, thus keeping both CVS and the concession stand in business....  And you meet some real nice people while standing in the lobby wondering why you're there.

Spray hand-cleaner works pretty well and is easier to share with family members who forgot to bring any. A change of socks is, indeed, good (along with other unmentionables for early Monday), as are kleenex, mouthwash, and not to forget necessary medications (people hate it when you die sitting next to them - this is not the horror 'thon, folks).
A small pillow does work, but lately I find that my rolled up coat or down vest works just as well, and I have to have those in any case, for waiting in line on Sunday morning.  None of this is space consumptive and if you bring a few large plastic bags for trash, that'll help keep the acquired bulk down, too.

You've got to have friends and family around, of course -- they'll remember the stuff you don't, so bring them with you, too.  And if you can manage a small (recycled, of course), folded-up tote bag for your swag, it can stay contained and managable while you struggle with your flashlight to read the program and quizz sheets.

I always buy an extra ticket so I can have a place to put anything that I can't otherwise contain.  Works every year so far, and I started coming to these things in 1977!  :)

Jon wrote on Feb 6^th, 2012 at 2:07pm:

Pre-hemorroidal, my a$$!!  (oh, no, wait, that's your... never mind....)  Just wait 'til you're post-65 and pre-dementia -- you'll bring everything and then forget why you brought it, thus keeping both CVS and the concession stand in business....  And you meet some real nice people while standing in the lobby wondering why you're there.

Just make sure you have your name and address pinned to your clothing somewhere (even if it's already written in your underwear-someplace more easily accessible would be good). One of us will make sure you get home afterwards.

Medications, aspirin or the NSAID of your choosing.  A face cloth, hand cleaner, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash.  For the guys, I sometimes bring a razor as a nice shave often works better than a nap.  Easy on scented stuff folks, we are in close quarters.  For the love of all that is holy, shower before the marathon and wear fresh clothes.  We are there for a long time it's best to start off as fresh as possible. 
Once upon a time , we brought in all manner of food.  Now we usually dine out and get something for breakfast at one of the many coffee shops. Snacks and such we patronize the concession stand.  Drop some coin there folks, our hosts will appreciate it.  The concession stand is quite good.  The popcorn is about the best that you will find anywhere.  Ice cream is good. 
Some folks say lay off the caffeine because of the crash.  I need the caffeine and it works for me.  Coffee is generally pretty good and it is usually bottomless with the purchase of a marathon mug.
Pillow, blanket, neck pillow and slippers. 
Ticket of course.

please show some restraint when snarking....... A clever comment is always much better received than an endless rant.  When someone asks you to be quiet rest assured that they are probably speaking for the house. 

Also, the Somerville is a grand old theater.  She has been lovingly restored to her former beauty and beyond. Enjoy the experience of watching movies the way they were meant to be seen.  Her crew does a terrific job. 

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/Metaluna/kronos-news.jpg

And all this time I thought folks were restless in their chairs because of sugar and coffee rushes..... anal itching......... go figure.....

Metaluna:

Quote:

Bring as little as possible without leaving anything you will need...

Quote:

Medications, aspirin or the NSAID of your choosing. A face cloth, hand cleaner, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash.  For the guys, I sometimes bring a razor as a nice shave often works better than a nap.  Easy on scented stuff folks, we are in close quarters.  For the love of all that is holy, shower before the marathon and wear fresh clothes. We are there for a long time it's best to start off as fresh as possible. Once upon a time , we brought in all manner of food.  Now we usually dine out and get something for breakfast at one of the many coffee shops. Snacks and such we patronize the concession stand. Drop some coin there folks, our hosts will appreciate it.  The concession stand is quite good.  The popcorn is about the best that you will find anywhere.  Ice cream is good.  Pillow, blanket, neck pillow and slippers.  Ticket of course

Good points Metaluna and Frank. Overpacking can be a nuisance to your neighbors, unless it's fun overpacking like Tom Servo or The Arc of The Covenant that used to make an appearance at the Coolidge.

Besides, the sight of a bunch of casually dressed, bearded men with bedding and bags of personal effects in tow is bound to look out of place in Davis Square.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/D-Square_1.jpg

Oh, wait...nevermind. ;)

Wait I almost forgot. You should bring around 350-400 swag bags and at least 3-4 rubbermaid bins filled with toys and what-not.  A hand cart comes in handy................

Also, 30-40 movie posters to decorate the lobby.

Frank:

Quote:

Wait I almost forgot. You should bring around 350-400 swag bags and at least 3-4 rubbermaid bins filled with toys and what-not.

What was it that our elementary school teachers used to say: "If you didn't bring enough for everybody then..." ...oh,...wait...nevermind. ;)

Okay, I admit that I do tend to over-pack for the marathon.
A sleeping bag for a good early morning nap in the balcony lobby.
A great army blanket to use when watching the movies.
A neck pillow
flashlight
ray-gun
pens (for the trivia quiz of course)

Fran and I also bring a few bottles of water.  We prefer it to soda and juices and the like..... 

i'm working on the mark projector

kirok wrote on Feb 8^th, 2012 at 7:27pm:

i'm working on the mark projector

So will that be the Mark 1 Mark Projector?

I could have sworn that I already posted here....?

1. Rx medications and OTC pain relievers
2. Small neck pillow/lumbar support
3. Cash, credit card, driver's license
4. Antibacterial wipes and/or hand sanitizer
5. Toothbrush
6. Water bottle
7. Flashlight

Have attended the 36 hour Cleveland Marathon for 24 years, so am used to the long haul. There I bring fruit and other goodies to share, not seemingly an appropriate gesture at your event. I strongly support the personal hygiene suggestions above. Also, please point out the hemorrhoid guy to me.  (_!_)   I have some standards.
A couple of questions to understand the differences.
My kid may/may not come. Is it really advantageous to buy tickets online in advance?
At CWRU I am often first in line to insure the best seating. Is there a time by which one should arrive to insure moderately good seating? Is the line standing only, or would a pillow or other seating implement be of aid to a geezer?
In line & in theater: Warm? Cold? Layer expecting climate changes?
Other site specific suggestions?

pogo wrote on Feb 9^th, 2012 at 4:27pm:

There I bring fruit and other goodies to share, not seemingly an appropriate gesture at your event.

You might find it's not a real fruity crowd but people do share food with neighbors. I can't imagine anyone would find it inappropriate.


Quote:

Also, please point out the hemorrhoid guy to me.  (_!_)   I have some standards.

He'll be the guy at the other end of the Mark projector.


Quote:

My kid may/may not come. Is it really advantageous to buy tickets online in advance?

Not really once the final price break deadline has passed.


Quote:

At CWRU I am often first in line to insure the best seating. Is there a time by which one should arrive to insure moderately good seating?

CLASSIFIED. :-X

You are not likely to be first in line but if you want to be reasonably near the front without spending all night in line I'd say get there by 9 AM.


Quote:

Is the line standing only, or would a pillow or other seating implement be of aid to a geezer?

It's the sidewalk, depending on weather it might be wet. Bring anything to sit on that you don't mind touching the sidewalk. A metal chair will get cold quickly. Don't ask how we know.


Quote:

In line & in theater: Warm? Cold? Layer expecting climate changes?

Traditionally we have several days of beautiful warm weather that suddenly turns cold and windy for Sunday morning. Layers are pretty much always the best way to go.

And please say hello to me! I will be the second most attractive woman hanging out with Frank the Prize Guy.

Please say hi to me as well.  I will be the guy hanging out with the two most attractive women in the place.  Prize Guy Frank.................

pogo wrote on Feb 9^th, 2012 at 4:27pm:

Have attended the 36 hour Cleveland Marathon for 24 years, so am used to the long haul.

Welcome aboard Pogo.
Wait, Pogo as in possum?

Yes. pogo as in Walt Kelly. I used to attend the annual Pogofest in Waycross GA (the northernmost point of the Okefenokee Swamp) But when it got down to about 15 of us they stopped having it.

I'm going to my 4th Thon this year, and agree with the suggestions others are making. I like to wear loafers, easy to slip on and off, and feet don't get as tired.
     We sit in the balcony and the seat padding is a little thin, so always bring a sweatshirt/sweater that can serve as some extra padding.

My Guide On How To STAY AWAKE all 24 Hours!

Been going to Marathons since...gulp...1979 and have never fallen asleep! Now, I know there are people who don't intend to stay awake the whole 24 hours. That's fine and their choice loss. (it IS called a Marathon after all)

Here are my Tips. Of course, your mileage may vary. It is YOUR body and you should adjust for what works for you:

1. GET SOME REST before the Marathon. Easier said than done sometimes, I understand. Particularly, if the Marathon starts at Midnight! But, do your best. Also, I start a Vitamin, Echinesia, Zinc pill-popping regimen the week before the Marathon to be as illness resistant as I can.

2. LIMIT CAFFEINE. One year, early on in my Marathon career, I thought popping No-Doz was a good idea. It wasn't. 3/4 of the way through, I thought I was having an ulcer right smack in the middle of the movie DEMON SEED (that 'demon' was in my stomach!). More importantly, the constant ups and downs eventually catches up to you (same goes for excessive Sugar intake). Some folks have a higher built-up tolerence, but go easy.

3. Wear COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. And layers. That Klingon mask and paraphernalia might seem cool at noon, but by midnight, it likely won't. Also, a pillow or neck/back support might be in order.

4. EAT as LITTLE as possible. Again, early on, I looked forward to the Marathon as a 24 hour junk food party. Over the years, I have seen many Marathoners "go down for the count" long before the finish line due to upset stomachs. Pizza, burritos, Chinese, Indian, Thai food are all favorites, but I would stay away from them. I eat a big breakfast. Then nibble, nibble, nibble all day and night with only 1 warm meal (usually just a chicken sandwich without fries, shakes or too many condiments). Maybe, something warm for breakfast. Otherwise, it's prezels, chocolate covered raisins, several Power/Energy bars and lots and lots of water. Boring? Yup, but this is SURVIVAL!!

5. GET UP AND MOVE AROUND!! I pop out of my seat after EVERY SINGLE MOVIE and move around. If you think to yourself, "Oh, I'll just grab a little 5 minute nap between movies" - you're likely a goner. That walk around will do you much more good than a 5 minute nap. Longer naps are another story (for wimps!), but this is about staying awake the whole 24.

6. PSYCH YOURSELF UP!! Come on, this is one (long) day a year! ONE! You can't get psychologically tuned up to stay awake one little night a year?! Think of all the cool movies and shorts you are going to see! All the bad puns and callbacks you'll hear! The fun you'll have reminicing with fellow Marathoners throughout the year! The pride and honor of being a 24 HOUR SURVIVOR! You CAN do it!! I ain't into any of that New Age mind over body holistic hooey - but, in this one instance, I think a LOT of what defeats Marathoners IS in their head. If you say to yourself, "That slow draggy movie at 4am is going to KILL ME" - then it will happen. Instead, repeat to yourself - "I will stay awake, I will!"

That's it. 6 simple rules to follow, and you can join the Android brigade like myself! You'll never miss a single ray gun shooting, alien attack, day for night scene, cheezy line of dialogue, CGI overloaded frame, vintage trailer or Major Tom quip again!!

pogo wrote on Feb 9^th, 2012 at 9:02pm:

Yes. pogo as in Walt Kelly. I used to attend the annual Pogofest in Waycross GA (the northernmost point of the Okefenokee Swamp) But when it got down to about 15 of us they stopped having it.

Well welcome to our marathon.
And bless us all with Boston Charlie

Quote:

At CWRU I am often first in line to insure the best seating. Is there a time by which one should arrive to insure moderately good seating? CLASSIFIED. :-X You are not likely to be first in line but if you want to be reasonably near the front without spending all night in line I'd say get there by 9 AM.

9 am?! Isn't that way too early for something that starts at 3 pm ? This will be my first marathon and I am super excited.

sabman wrote on Feb 11^th, 2012 at 12:17pm:

Quote: At CWRU I am often first in line to insure the best seating. Is there a time by which one should arrive to insure moderately good seating? CLASSIFIED. :-X You are not likely to be first in line but if you want to be reasonably near the front without spending all night in line I'd say get there by 9 AM. 9 am?! Isn't that way too early for something that starts at 3 pm ? This will be my first marathon and I am super excited.

3pm? Noon to noon.

Yeah I got that wrong. I was looking at the PDF document. But the ticket clearly says 12 to 12.

If you can't stay awake don't worry.  Some of the foks who claim that they never sleep still miss out on movies as they duck out of the theater to get a meal.  Don;t let anyone kid you that they are planeted for 24 hours watching every single second of film.  No they duck out to eat and gab in a similar fashions to Beckett, Lester and Lackey ducking out on part of the game to have a few beers anf fried chicken.... 

Also you don;t have to plan our meal as if you are some ascetic in pursuit of liberation.  Most people duck out and grab all manner of food and you know thay still have fun.

This is about fun.  It is most definitely NOT about survival.... YOu will come out one the other end just fine.....  It's just one big pajama party after all......

My Pre-Marathon psych up Music Playlist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_Zac23b5E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26-migpeVJM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYbHpXca7U0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcT5u7y2_yA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf9WDPa028&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0A64ED3BEF18CB27

Especially, apropos this year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfLtHkZKQkI&feature=related


And, the king of Marathon Themes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67sMf5RoZC0&feature=related

L.A. Connection wrote on Feb 12^th, 2012 at 3:06pm:

My Pre-Marathon psych up Music Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_Zac23b5E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26-migpeVJM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYbHpXca7U0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcT5u7y2_yA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf9WDPa028&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0A64ED3BEF18CB27 Especially, apropos this year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfLtHkZKQkI&feature=related And, the king of Marathon Themes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67sMf5RoZC0&feature=related

Not too shabby at all.  I would add:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g9E04Ig-1U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qADmHaVZ74M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_NLJ7vk_kM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0mKxLM-tMI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09RxXvRXiPI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8Q3X5Gw5I4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPOU-AUuxKw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCWXCPgS8n0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtV_LeN7B1g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmpZK28S0mk

My turn
One of my faves, Corman must have liked it too, he used it 4-5 times in different films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv3oGGzfSDE
Proof I don't hate ALL anime, one of the most beautiful animated films I have ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=229K5n_PRJA
And lets finish up in a lighter mode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veSLdNos7q8

Now to get a bit out there
The musical stylings of Sean Pertwee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeRmYGNSvcs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVd0Ziks3NA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iDgTeNbEkc&feature=related
Reptilicus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iDgTeNbEkc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axGE8iIgynM&feature=related

guys. how about a link to a playlist. if you don't know how to do it, find a teenager.

And yet another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRywk3xmjBA
[url][/url]

Frank wrote on Feb 11^th, 2012 at 12:42pm:

If you can't stay awake don't worry.  Some of the foks who claim that they never sleep still miss out on movies as they duck out of the theater to get a meal.  Don't let anyone kid you ....  ..

You know, I was just saying that every so often I will be watching some fun piece of drek on the TV and suddenly I will realize that it looks familiar, though I don't remember ever seeing it before.  Wierd -- except then I remember that I have partially slept through any number of late-night/early-morning films at 'Thons over the years - and that explains it.  I do remember things from my "Zombie-sleep-watching" times, after all.  I would rather be strangely prescient, of course, but that is, alas, not the case....
So, if yo do nod off during some crucial so-bad-it's-worth-a-nap film, don't worry -- it'll be engraved on your subconscious, somehow, for all time. :-/

Jon wrote on Feb 13^th, 2012 at 2:40pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 11th, 2012 at 12:42pm: If you can't stay awake don't worry.  Some of the foks who claim that they never sleep still miss out on movies as they duck out of the theater to get a meal.  Don't let anyone kid you ....  .. You know, I was just saying that every so often I will be watching some fun piece of drek on the TV and suddenly I will realize that it looks familiar, though I don't remember ever seeing it before.  Wierd -- except then I remember that I have partially slept through any number of late-night/early-morning films at 'Thons over the years - and that explains it.  I do remember things from my "Zombie-sleep-watching" times, after all.  I would rather be strangely prescient, of course, but that is, alas, not the case.... So, if yo do nod off during some crucial so-bad-it's-worth-a-nap film, don't worry -- it'll be engraved on your subconscious, somehow, for all time. :-/

The great Bruce Bartoo wrote of how the movies started to blend together in the wee hours so you would recall the following dialogue ...... "open the pod bay doors C3P0.

Yes.  Yes.. I remember ... a pod, lying on a pool table in some black-and-white suburban home ... if I could just recall the context. ;)

Running way behind this year.  I am usually done by now stiffing the loot bags and getting the prizes and posters.  Well, I am about 80% done.  However, the loot bags are starting to get to me so the final 50 or so may have ramen noodles and other stuff that I have set aside for our local food pantry....or copies of the Metro or Stuff............ just kidding ............... 

Frank wrote on Feb 13^th, 2012 at 4:34pm:

Running way behind this year.  I am usually done by now stiffing the loot bags and getting the prizes and posters.  Well, I am about 80% done.  However, the loot bags are starting to get to me so the final 50 or so may have ramen noodles and other stuff that I have set aside for our local food pantry....or copies of the Metro or Stuff............ just kidding ...............

If you get desperate you can pull the adult sections out of all the Phoenixs in the box outside the theater.

Metaluna wrote on Feb 13^th, 2012 at 6:21pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 13th, 2012 at 4:34pm: Running way behind this year.  I am usually done by now stiffing the loot bags and getting the prizes and posters.  Well, I am about 80% done.  However, the loot bags are starting to get to me so the final 50 or so may have ramen noodles and other stuff that I have set aside for our local food pantry....or copies of the Metro or Stuff............ just kidding ...............  If you get desperate you can pull the adult sections out of all the Phoenixs in the box outside the theater.

That bulbous Matalunan brain comes through again....... It's not just there for show folks.........

I like that maybe I can figure out some kind of contest deal with Ed......

anu3bis wrote on Feb 4^th, 2012 at 8:42pm:

Haven't seen the topic yet, and I have a friend who will be making his first pilgrimage this year. Can folks pipe up with their suggestions, plans, and lists?

Don't forget that everyone has a plan until that slow black and white film punches you in the brain at around 3AM