CoastersNSich

I thought that there mightve been some "ballot-stuffing" for Valdosta, but it seems that they're consistently winning titles. I thought it was difficult to vote for a town. I wanted to go for Columbus because of my association with OSU, but outside of Buckeye Dominion, is Columbus really known for championships/big success? I also wanted to go with New York, Boston, or LA - I even thought Detroit was a little enticing.

Found this past week on a Kings Island fan site... "kings island is getting a new rollercoaster!!! i saw tracks today!!! i am so excited!! I think it might be just like vortex, and go upside down nine times and will be a replacement to vortex since the ground is sinking! and they will be removing the vortex soon. I think it will be red with neon green supports. Im so excited!! im pretty sure it will open in august! Fill me in on anymor infurmiation!1" "Ok I've heard people saying for awhile now that Vortex was being demolished. Because of the condition of the soil or something. Well what have you heard? Is this true or not? Personally I thought this was a great coaster." "I was told by the CEO of the park that the vortex is sinking. As it does, the Beast is rising. It is getting dangerously tall, so they're gonna have to remove it after the 2008 season. So to fix things, they will just name the new coaster The Beast. Sorry, it's late, I'm feeling the effects of the alcohol."[/b]

Not known to many, the former home of the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Stadium, was abandoned for six years before it was finally torn down, in 1986. Knowing Detroit's hard times for the past 40-50 years, there's no haste to tear down an old building and replace it with something new. Even in its final years, the Olympia was in great condition, having an intimate, on-top feel. Of course, the Red Wings were wanting a new venue at a "safer" location and also a better money-maker (something with suites). I've never been in Joe Louis Arena (nor the Olympia), but JLA is very lackluster IMO, (with the fake organ music) - if it weren't for the Wings' success, they'd be more desperate for a new arena, which they probably deserve. I've seen some pages online of those hoping for a "New Olympia".

Mine is of a Flxible Metro transit bus photoshopped with wings and engines to look like a plane, to promote COTA's (Central Ohio Transit Authority) special service from Ohio State to Port Coumbus airport. Graphic done by COTA.

The "sometimes" part was proven when I last went in May... very cool and windy that day! Excellent TR. iPhone photos actually look pretty good, especially compared to what I'm used to with mobile phone cameras.

You Forgot about the Carosel in the front that all the kids scream and wail at their mommies to put 25 cents in and go around for 1 minute AKA "Why men like me without kids hate going to retail stores. Somewhat back on topic, ads and the website are now calling the stores "Walmart," sans hyphen... sorta like Kmart. Forgot the hyphen? Not a problem anymore!

Woo-hoo! One of the oldest cars on the modern CTA system, made by Budd and going in service around 1969.

I would argue that it is not. I prefer to call it a modern day dump. I was making the argument based upon its long storied history and many championship teams and legendary players that it was home to. But if you had to rank ballparks in history, it's gotta be near, if not on the top, of the list. I've never been to the place, but Steinbrenner must be replacing it for a reason...

Surely, the grandstands at the Indy Speedway have been totally rebuilt and expanded.... and let's face it, the track has changed from gravel to brick to asphalt.... but it's in the same exact location. Yankee Stadium was drastically renovated in the 1974-75 seasons, and the team called Shea home those seasons. The columns were remvoved, the upper deck extended, the middle deck reduced, and the famous top roof/frieze became history. And they added 3 sets of esclalators. Sure, the character changed some, and the place better appealed to the luxury suites, those who hate poles, but it remained as Yankee Stadium. But my real point is, I couldn't agree more about Yankee Stadium, arguably the greatest baseball park ever built. Essentially, it's a modern day Roman Colosseum. Yes, they're trying to replicate the best of the old park, but it's not the same as just improving the old one again. As much I sorta razz "Citi Field" for going back to retro while slapping on a silly sounding corporate name, Shea doesn't have that appropriate baseball park feel, as it was designed to be be a complete circular multipurpose donut. It's a little weird seeing an old-style park in the middle of a parking lot, but the do Mets need a brand-new park than the Yankees do.

Double Loop was definitely one of my "guilty pleasures." While my coaster friends didn't care for it much before/after doing Villain, Double Loop was a must for me, because it was intense in some areas, but smooth in others. Not really painful IMO. Knowing its age, I never thought that Double Loop would live to be relocated elsewhere. Awful, but inevitable.

I have to admit a coaster with either no air, or at most floater air, I would be willing to ride in the nude. It can be painful on a coaster where I heavily rely on the lapbar/OTSR, especially when my junk is exposed. B&Ms, yes. The Beast, likely. Magnum? NO!

Even having been a lifelong American, I've noticed how much more we value, and demand more, space compared to others, especially Europe. Obviously, the American dream means big cars and big homes spread apart from each other (which I think has lead to having to pay 4x as much for gas then we did 4-5 years ago.) Besides our disdain for general spatial density, there's definitely an attitude to spread apart when around other men. For example, men don't like to use urinals next to each other - though many will if necessary. I do admit I prefer restrooms that have partitions between the urinals, but if they don't it doesn't bother me much. Hell, it used to be that many, if not most, public restrooms had communal trough urinals. Not the most comfortable, but it maximizes space... and when guys have had much to drink, they're not going to care much. In fact, it wasn't unusual to find toilet stalls in mens rooms lacking doors. Honestly, I find cleanliness and quantity more important than privacy. Yes, not necessarily does this stuff have sexual connotation, but for many guys, it does.

Riverfront Stadium (d. 2002) - attended final event, and its implosion Lots of memories here, it seemed to be even better in its final 2 seasons when they took out the outfield stands and switched to grass. In some ways, I miss it. Great American Ball Park - attended open house, first exhibition game, and opening day, 2003 Has some shortcomings, but it pays great tribute to Reds and Cincinnati history, and some great views. Its form is based upon a traditional park, but its architecture is fairly modern, which is nice for a change. There's a part time organist, but if I were owner Bob Castellini, I'd hire another guy to play the games during the week. Busch Stadium (d. 2005) - final regular season series, vs. Reds Yes, it lacked many of the money-making features the New Busch has, but it was the finest of the modernist multi-purpose stadia, designed by well-known Edward Durell Stone. IMO will be the best-admired Busch Stadium of the three (so-far). Jacobs (Progressive) Field The new name sounds corny, but I liked the place on my sole visit in 2005. Probably the most impressive scoreboard I've seen so far. Wonderful view of downtown Cleveland. Nice airy modern feel througout. Probably my only beef was the absence of an organist! New Busch Stadium - first weekend series, vs. reds, 2006 Exciting and disappointing, IMO. It's got a wonderful open-air view of the Gateway Arch, and is a fair park without the weird dimensions. The mid-level Redbird club was great too, with great dining options and a BIG lounge, and cushioned seat bottoms. But the new stadium seemed to be overloaded with kitschy retro, couldve used more tributes to Cardinals history. Could've used more escalators, and I thought the main scoreboard seemed minor league, especially compared to Jacobs Field. But they kept one thing that never should or does go out of style - a full-time organist. RFK Stadium I actually enjoyed this old place last year. Seemed to have been built in a transition between the older parks that had the pole columns, and the multi-purpose ones with the column-free design, especially with the catwalks from the concourse to the upper deck. An abundance of wooden and metal seats, though many were later replaced with the modern plastic/aluminum ones. The form of the park is actually favored for baseball than football, even though the Redskins played there longer than the Senators/Nationals did. Needless to say, Nationals Park is an upgrade, even though I haven't seen it yet - I do like the very big modern scoreboard and its overall modern style. Both parks next to the great Metro... yes! Cooper Stadium, Columbus, now in final season. (AAA affiliate of Nationals). Built 1932, has an interesting mix of modern and historic - first closed in early 70s, and brought out of disrepair and upgraded for 1977. Even with the new Huntington Park next to Nationwide Arena, I might miss this place... though getting to the new park from OSU will be easier. I've been on the outside of Dayton's Fifth Third Field, and been by Tiger Stadium, PNC Park, (New) Comiskey Park, and Wrigley Field. And it's downright unlikely for me, but I'd love to see Yankee and Shea Stadium in their final season. Overall, it's hard for me to say which ball park was the best or the worst... they all had great qualities, though some more than others.

Dan Castellaneta At which park did Walt Whitman die in a ride accident?

Regis Lee Kathie Kotb Thompson At what time yesterday did John McCain have dinner?

Yes, the one coaster that they just couldn't keep a good secret of, just happens to be the one that we've been waiting for. Looking at the layout, it almost reminds me of Nitro at SFGAdv. Regardless of what the ride will be called, its theme song should be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLCJEYLIBQY

Mystery no more: Hyper. http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/07/08/pjm070808kirideweb.html

Wow, beautiful pics all over! Having seen photos of Pittsburgh's past, they seem to have taken the opportunities to take a dirty steel town into an amazing modern city. If they gave championships and rated teams based upon ballparks and views, the Pirates would be near the top. At least the Steelers realize that winning matters. Oh and thumbs up for the Tom Petty ending.

The last time someone I knew that was close to me died was almost 20 years ago (a grandmother) and even then I didn't feel too sad because I didn't know her too well, as she was in a hospital/nursing home most of the time I knew her, not to mention being very old. It was also the only time I really attended a funeral. Now, my grandfather on my father's side, he's 88 and only getting more frail as time goes by. He had a cath lab exam at the hospital and is doing better than before then, as he was very nervous, and getting over his dog's death and his stepson's medical issues. Now I learn that my best friend from grad school's brother is doing poorly. He was on the way West to see his girlfriend, and driving through Kansas felt ill and stopped at a motel to rest. Was throwing up a lot and had to go to the hospital and is in critical condition, supposedly having a tumor. I never met my friend's brother, but thinking about it gives me a heartache (emotionally).

I noticed in the Legend Lot "the auxilary lot" that they now have trams. Surprising at first, but not quite so now knowing the park's growth in size and attendance. About Kringle's Kafe opening before the rest of the park... there aren't a lot of fast food places near the park that I know of. The reasonable prices for food also soften the blow. And I have to admit I'm bummed they took out Thunder Bumpers... even though it had low capacity. At least the water park keeps growing.

Many of the points against the park and the living quarters have already been said, but this just furthers my rant against our cars-over-people culture. Just my $0.02 here.

Until I saw the "Italian Job" sign, I assumed that your photo TR was from THIS June. Other than the pic from the Racer lift, don't feel too bad about posting photos log after the trip took place. I have MANY photos that I've never posted, yet would like to.

Many do, but still too few: The Reds have an organist, but he only plays Sundays and Opening Day. (Hopefuly I can see Bob Castellini and have him get a full-timer) The Cardinals kept Ernie Hays when they moved to new Busch, and Jeremy Boyer is in his wings. Other teams, not certain on all of them, but I've heard: Cubs White Sox (though I've heard Nancy Faust has reduced her role) Angels Dodgers (Nancy Bea!) Yankees Braves Twins? It just bothers me that many teams love to plug tradition and retro stuff but without appropriate music. On a side note, Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series, in Omaha, NE, still has their 89-year-old organist... Fresno State beat Georgia last night to win the 2008 series.

Suuure... we could find ways to reduce demand, like reform archaic zoning laws, invest in public transit, and be more educated that the 'American Dream' is for one to find on their own, that it doesn't have to be bland subdivisions and gas guzzlers to make you feel good. Until then...

IMHO I think the only thing Thunder Run has going for it is the airtime. It's a pain in the ass to load, get seated in, and all that for something that seems a bit longer than a junior coaster.