MidtownCoaster

While I can see the conspiracy theory, I don't know how likely that is. The candidate pool for managers of a large theme park chain is pretty limited if you want experience. To have the leader of a successful chain that was bought out (regardless of his role in that) leaves an opportunity that is somewhat rare in this niche market. So, it makes a lot of sense. As for direction, I think it's exciting. I think Paramount had some great development that could be instilled into Six Flags (in an albeit different manner), and I think Shapiro had simply run out of ideas. He did some great things. He also weathered some incredibly tough tourism times and some bad PR issues, all coming after another company did not do as well with the parks. His creativity and enthusiasm likely is (and should be) used up, so time for some fresh blood. I'm jumping on the "good because it's different" train and thank Shapiro for what he has done!

I'll be another supporter. Although it was rough, I really enjoyed the ride back in 2001 on my first ride. I will say, 2004 and my last ride in 2007 were a lot less enjoyable. But, I think the ride has potential. I think Mean Streak is in a similar boat (as are several at my lovely home park off I-20 here in GA that could be better used as scrap at this point). Given the size of these coasters, integrating steel would still give a pretty cool experience. This trend of steel-ing wooden coasters isn't my favorite, but I'm more in favor of this installation. Just my $0.02!

Acrophobia was down when I was there a couple of weeks ago. I hope this isn't an indicator... And I hope Cyclone gets some love. It was so rough at the end of last season, it's bordering on unrideable. Sadly with the flood repairs, it didn't look like it did. At least (as someone noticed) we have some pretty parts of GASM again!

The water is actually receding fairly quickly. I think we'll definitely see some closed rides, but there will be enough for the crowds this time of year. It is crazy to see these rides in this state, but hopefully this will get some cash flowing to fix up GASM (and I agree that Cyclone will hopefully be stripped of it track and Ninja will simply float away). Please keep the people in that area in your thoughts, though. I have several colleagues who live in that area who will not far as well coming out of this. It's been pretty bad around here for some.

OK. Here are the things that are odd that I haven't seen addressed directly. 1. The strikes twice thing. A shuttle doesn't make sense (unless it is something brand new) because the only big concepts out there are a Boomerang, a GIB or something like the various Mr. Freeze/Chiller coasters. Aside from MAYBE the last, those aren't happening. I'd sooner think a duelling coaster. 2. The heavy use of Y. 3. The red lettering on the comic. The first letters are (in order) TCFANSSPTYS (for Talkin' Commotion Fires All Night Strangers Snoopin' Plan Tell You Soon). 4. The dog on the bottle now. 5. Crystal Rock Brewing Company. 6. "Bold. Exciting. Refreshing." This has got me intrigued, so I'm gonna keep snooping myself!

There's another piece of that press packet I saw that I may be reading too far into... The name CP McCoy. Add that with West Virginia (and a touch of Kentucky), a fork in the river (a Y), a burning cabin, bootlegging and moonshine (nicknamed "white lightning")... and you get a ton of elements for the good ol' American feud of the Hatfields and McCoys. Another element of the story- shooting of course. Personally, I think we may have a shooter on its way, but there are a lot of other options. Plus the whole "strikes twice" factor says duelling or racing something to me. Anyway, not sure. Just thought I would point that out.

SFOG for Fright Fest.

Welcome to my town, guys! Didn't know you were making the ATL trek. Glad you enjoyed the Aquarium and NWOC.

I can't officially give you advice... but, if someone who went to law school and studied intellectual property law were to look at your situation, he might say your big issue was with trademark infringement, not copyright. Very few of the things you mention have copyright issues unless you use artwork or pictures. He might also say there is a fair use doctrine in parody where one could google that idea and find a LOT of good information on the web one could use. Although he may need to rework the comic to poke a bit of fun at the places and not use them verbatim and to change the name slightly (i.e. EPCOT to EFCOT Center), you would have a better chance. He might also say that the little R means Registered Trademark and the little C means copyright. Don't use either one with big companies because they may sue you. Small chance, but big issue if they do. You also can find some trademark and copyright resources on the web for relatively cheap.

Not my cup of tea (no pun intended), but thanks for posting! I'll deal with the crazy religious rightwingers ruining my political party down here. THAT'S scary!

Interesting concept. It's definitely a way to add audio to a plain dark coaster without retrofitting it. I would really be interested in seeing an enclosed spinning mouse (probably need to be extended) with this idea. Have the queue underneath with the dj above, and then ride the coaster circling around with the music and lights pumping. If they didn't have it already, I could see Disney or Universal doing wonders with this.

Thanks for the report from my home park! Glad you have fun. I haven't made it this year, but I hopefully will toward the end of the season once it cools down a bit.

I haven't been yet this year, but I would like to get a trip on the books (Anyone in Atlanta going soon? ). Last year, the ops were pretty lax, but not the worst I have seen at a SF park. It's encouraging to hear more about their improvement for 2009. And, I will say, in line with operations, it's what you go for. To me, the attitude and friendliness of a staff is a big park of the theme park experience. It's like dining to me in that it is a whole package. I've been to some places with wonderful food, but very mediocre service and I refuse to return. It's just something that is important to me. Having said that, go to a park for what you enjoy. Only you get to know and decide what makes a theme park fun (or not) to you.

Congrats, Cyber.Fiber, on finding yourself that early on. I didn't come out until I was 25, and I am still dealing with a plethora of issues stemming from the last 20 years of denying me of myself. Although you will likely never know it, you have almost certainly saved yourself so much pain by your bravery now! And, thanks for the whitening tip. I need a new dentist, and that stuff may be a requisite on the visit.

I'm a fire-earth mix. Pretty good description. I'm a Rooster by the Chinese Zodiac (January 1982) and a solar Capricorn/lunar Leo by the Astrological Zodiac.

wow! Really great pics. Thanks for sharing. Makes me miss my Midwestern home (well... just a bit).

I saw this earlier. I seriously almost spit out my coffee reading it. God only knows what could have happened had this been at SFOG!

Thanks for the pics. I usually see SFStL get bashed in a lot of threads, so it was good to see a positive review of it!

Thanks for another great installment, Big Mike! Sad to see Georgia's not on the list this year. But, hope you have great trips regardless! Looking forward to hearing about them.

Yay to my fellow SFOG people. I need to go this year and check out Monster Mansion (sad that I've missed it since I live in Midtown!). Thanks for the great pics!

I am going with Walt Disney World. They left LAX and flew through Chicago (the final destination for Route 66 and a place with a lot of snow). Walt Disney World was the second Disney park, it was the location of their wedding and arguably first honeymoon (so a second of sorts), and the D23 event would tie to Disney. As for the "Swiss Flag", that is clearly a beadspread of sorts. It appears to be a bird flying south. Where do you fly south for the winter? Florida! This also looks like it could tie into one of Disney's themed decors. We also have the newly branded Hollywood Studios, Disney was supposed to have Starbucks before they denied the contract, Next stop is a bit trickier. But, I will agree that it will be a cruise. May be a Disney Cruise or another Mexico cruise as they did a month after they got married.

stood under it. Realizing that would accomplish nothing, he went to the payphone and called...

Three days ago... I want more... When was the last time you had a bad dream?

darn double post. screamed "VIVA, XTINA!" and began rolling down Sunset Blvd. Unbeknownst to Pinny, just around the corner was...

Hey Everyone: I think I may make my first ever trek down the road to SFOG in the next few weeks. I wondered if there were any shots anyone wanted me to take. Plus, if anyone wants to tag along with a SFOG newbie, send me a message.