printersdevil78

I noticed the date on the tombstone, too, but I took it to be part of the big post-rescue lie. Everyone "knows" there were only six survivors, so it's only natural for Jin to have "died" in the plane crash if he didn't return with Sun. However, I think he's still alive on the island. Saddest moment in the history of television. Or my television, anyway. It's only about a year old.

That's probably the most accurate description of a Tickler you could have come up with. It was pretty synonymous with the Virginia Reel. Interestingly, the ride in the foreground (to the left) of that postcard is another bygone attraction, the Circle Swing. It was basically a large circular swing attached to cables that pivoted from a center pole. When the swing was full, everyone took turns pushing up with their feet, and the thing would lift off the ground in a circular motion one end at a time, kind of like the motion you see when you drop a quarter onto a hard surface. I doubt there were many amusement parks in the 1920s (maybe even before) that existed without one of these. It was simple to build, required no electricity and was a real crowd pleaser.

Wow, that's some of the highest-quality footage of that type of ride in action I've ever seen. It's an early 20th century flat ride called a "Top." It was a hallmark of some of the nation's largest amusement parks back in the day (waaaay back in the day). I've seen a short film of the one at Coney Island. Sadly, due to a combination of our litigious society and changing tastes, this attraction has gone the way of the Scenic Railway, Steeplechase, Witching Waves, Tickler, Noah's Ark, Cuddle Bug, Caterpillar and other popular early 20th century rides--which is to say there may still be one out there somewhere, but probably not many more than that.

Hey Mike, Speaking of girls in bikinis, let me know when you're planning to head to Trimpers and the Jolly Roger parks. I live a half hour outside Ocean City (well... probably closer to an hour in summer traffic). I'll try to think of something my presence would bring to the table between now and then!

DBru, if you're really all that worried, allow me to paraphrase some advice given to me last year by my current chairman of the board: Why worry about stuff you can't control? "Stuff" would be the paraphrased word in that sentence, by the way. I don't know if Nostradamus really predicted anything. I don't know when the world will end. The only thing I know for sure is that canadianfreak has the absolute best avatar I've ever seen on this site! I believe Jughead is Mayan.

Right you are! This is what I get for trying to do things from memory....

Actually, though Knobels' Haunted House uses Pretzel cars, the ride itself is an amalgam of gags from Funni-Frite, those salvaged from other dark rides and some built by park workers themselves. I'm not even sure the Pretzel Company was still operating when the Haunted House was built, or if it was, it was nearing its demise. Having said that, maybe Bushkill's wasn't the only original Pretzel operating; maybe it was just the oldest, now that I think about it. Either way, it's gone now. And yes, I remember Xanadu in Orlando! They had about three of them around the United States, didn't they? It was kind of an odd little place. I remember when it closed. I definitely would have bought it had I won the lottery around that time.

Thought this thread could use a few more decrepit photos. I must be a better photographer than I thought because these places actually looked a LOT worse than some of the images would indicate. Oldest continuously operating fun house in the United States at Bushkill Park in Easton, PA, in 2002. Unfortunately, I've since heard this park has sustained extensive flood damage. It was 98 years old when I visited and looked every bit of it. Creepy abandoned Pedroland lemonade stand. Gratuitous Pedroland sign shot from 2002. This would be where I bought the rusty can of maple syrup I mentioned in my earlier post. Don't let the sign fool you. There was nothing fresh in this building, fudge or otherwise. I tried hard to crop the rotting wood out of this shot while I was taking it then got the heck out of there before the canopy overhead collapsed on top of me, which seemed to be a distinct possibility. They had pews set up beneath the canopy for brave souls who wanted to sit and contemplate the Wal-Mart Nativity scene. Elves hard at work in Santa's sleigh shop. The carousel in the kiddie ride area. If the fence doesn't impress you, check out the bare-wood chariots. Good luck trying to find someone to run it. The whole park basically had three attendants and a guy dressed as Santa Claus who, in lieu of candy canes, handed out pseudo business cards with religious scriptures on them. A random scene on the kiddie train ride through the woods. It's Mickey Bunny! Just down the road from Mr. Plum Man was the Igloo Pancake House. This used to be a restaurant, apparently. By 2003, it was just a moss-covered shack. I'd say they served the last pancake here several years before I was born. Just a guess. The Purple Plum Man. Why? Who knows? His arms were held on with strapping tape, and he had several wasp's nests attached to him. I found the sign thrown off to the side somewhere and placed it in front for descriptive effect. I don't think anyone minded. Photo op. My poor parents. Holiday World it ain't. Here's Santa's School. Not sure why Santa has a school or why he decided to paint it in day-glo colors. Next up is Santa's Land USA in Putney, VT, from 2003. I understand they've since gotten new owners, so maybe things are better now. Paint much? Hope the floor is in better shape than the outside of the building.... Kiddie coaster. Kind of. Good luck finding someone to run it. Located between the 1950s bumper cars and whip with potholes (have photos of both, but can't find them right now). Without a doubt the most bizarre kiddie spinner I've ever seen. Fiberglass clowns and policemen stretched out like Superman in flight with their backs and butts hollowed out for easy riding. And it lights up at night! Bushkill's attempt at costumed characters. Note the 1940s kiddie train in the background. Entrance to another historic attraction, the last original Haunted Pretzel dark ride still operating in the United States, in 2002, at least. I think the floods have since wiped it out. Another inside shot. This old wooden slide was about the neatest thing at the park. Inside the world's oldest continuously operating fun house. EDIT: This should have gone with the Bushkill section, but I neglected to resize the photo before I submitted, then wasn't able to upload the resized version without deleting the old one. Ironically, right in the middle of all this squalor was one of the most gorgeous antique carousels I'd ever seen. Of course, it was right next to the rotting park snack stand, where I got a cold pork roll sandwich and room-temperature Coke.

My best friend from high school was on "America's Most Wanted" a few months ago. Fortunately as a police officer, not as a felon....

I'll agree with Blue Diamond Park. More of a permanent carnival with weeds than a real park. Add Bushkill Park in Easton, PA, to the list. It's historic, but its history shows, if you get what I mean. Of course, maybe it's gotten better since my visit in 2002. When I was there, it had quite possibly the world's only whip with potholes.... Santa's Land USA in Putney, VT, was pretty bad when I visited there, as well, in 2003. However, I understand they're under new management now, and things have actually gotten a little better. I still have the rusty can of maple syrup I bought at its gift shop (didn't realize the bottom of the can was rusty until after I bought it).

Because we only had three pies....

Because I AM a water-phobic type like Dan! Seriously, I won't be getting on any flume/rapids rides during the Behemoth/Ravine Flyer trip. Actually, we had garbage bags (not ponchos) for everyone to wear, but I was the only one "smart" enough to use one. The contest was during intermission at our monthly meeting, and as chapter president, I had the whole second half to run. I didn't intend to attempt it with Oreo pie filling all over my shirt and tie.

So tonight the Jaycees held a pie-eating contest, and I was challenged to compete! I came in third (out of three), but it was a blast. I thought a few random photos might be in order, so enjoy! Carlena shows some love to Betsy, who made the pies for us. Yes, we had homemade pies. No skimping for the Jaycees! The prizes? Little Debbie fruit pies, of course! Lemon for third place (me), cherry for second (Leslie) and apple for first (Carlena). ...and after. Before... Time! The carnage begins! My challengers, Leslie and Carlena, dressed in their President's Day finest. (FYI, Carlena is the queen of theme parks. She needs to get her own account on here.)

As someone who recently ended a long-term relationship, this thread really jumped out at me. After nearly two years, I had forgotten just how rough it is out there.... I'm trying the online personals right now for the first time in a few years. I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of my typical experience (the full scenario usually takes about a week): HER: I love your profile! It's so creative! ME: Thanks. HER: I love that you travel! You're so interesting! ME: Thanks. HER: I love talking to you! You're so funny! ME: Thanks. HER: Can I see a picture? ME: Sure. ME: Hello? Still there? Hello? I think I'm going to take the advice a "friend" from college gave me one time and just hold out for a nice blind woman.

Wow, that's impressive! Besides the governor's inaugural, the three most distinguished places we played were Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Hersheypark and the high school auditorium....

Unfortunately, we didn't see the Kennedy Center. D.C. is so big, you just can't see it all at once. That's why we're planning another trip this year. Most of us have already seen the White House, Washington Monument, etc., but there's a whole plethora of stuff crammed into that little city. Congratulations on getting to play there. When I was in high school I got to perform in a parade for the governor's inaugural in Annapolis, which was a big deal since it was the first one they'd had in nearly 40 years. The year after I graduated, my sister got to perform with the band in the Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester, Va., which, after Macy's and the Rose Bowl, is one of the largest parades in the U.S. The band came in third out of literally dozens of bands from across the country! Fortunately, even though I didn't get to play in that one, I still got to go. It helps when your father is president of the Band Boosters....

As a few people on here may know, I assumed the presidency this year of my local Jaycees chapter. Toward the end of last year, I conferred with my individual development vice president, Dave, to figure out new ways to reinvigorate the chapter. We came up with, among other things, a series of day trips to regional historic and educational venues. After all, we're based within 150 miles of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., so why not take advantage of it? We inaugurated the series yesterday with our first of two D.C. trips planned for the year, and I'm happy to report we had nearly 10 percent of the chapter in attendance (which may not sound that great, but it's phenomenal when you consider our average is less than 1 percent). I thought I'd share some of the highlights here, especially for some of the west coasters who may not have made it to our nation's capital yet. Enjoy! Hot, steamy penne rustica goodness! And that's it. No theme parks, but a good day overall, nonetheless. Dinner stop in Annapolis. Romano's Macaroni Grill > Carrabba's any day! A quick shot of Smithsonian Castle on the way back to the metro. I loved this walk-in mock-up of a 1950s passenger airplane. These old planes remind me of two of my favorite movies: "The Aviator" and "Catch Me If You Can." Ironically enough, I'm not a Leonardo DiCaprio fan.... Props from "The Wizard of Oz." From left: Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Scarecrow costume and an original script. The signpost from "M*A*S*H." Mr. Rogers' cardigan. A portion of the sleeve from Seinfeld's infamous "puffy shirt" can be seen in the upper left-hand corner. Lincoln's top hat. While the Smithsonian Museum of American History is down for renovations, a small portion of its holdings is on display at the Air and Space Museum. Included in the collection: one Kermit the Frog. Ever wonder how the term "clams" became slang for "money"? Well, take a look at this... it's a promissory note from the Great Depression. ...but also a jacket owned by Cesar Chavez. Inspired by Taste Pilots' Grill, I had also hoped to get a photo of the "Glamorous Glennis" at the Air and Space Museum, but like the "Spirit of St. Louis," it too was under wraps for the sprinkler repairs. Unlike 99.99999 percent of the rest of the universe, I actually LIKE "Golden Dreams" at Disney's California Adventure. So I was thrilled to not only find a print from Dorothea Lange's original negative of the famous photo reenacted in the film... This reminded me of something from "Star Trek," but apparently it really was a piece of NASA equipment at one time. Envy much? Because the Jaycees also helped plot the United States' first airmail routes, this was also a necessary photo. Plus I like looking at old airplanes.... Since Charles Lindbergh was a Jaycee, I felt compelled to take a picture of the "Spirit of St. Louis" at the National Air and Space Museum. Only it was covered up for sprinkler repairs, so this was the best I could do. And speaking of Elissa-friendly.... See? 3 p.m. and we're finally having lunch. And it's Elissa-friendly! "My name is Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump." Dave makes some new friends. Does anyone but me find it ironic that more than 60 years after V.J. Day, the World War II Memorial seems to be a top attraction for Japanese tourists in D.C.? Sightseeing is hard work.... The World War II Memorial is impressive, probably more so during the warmer months when the giant fountain in the middle is turned on. This stiff fellow was part of the Korean Veterans Memorial. We were waiting for some lollygaggers when this pay phone started ringing. Travis took it upon himself to answer, complete with a Mr. Burns-style "Ahoy-hoy." After completely confusing whomever had dialed the wrong number, we were ready to continue our tour. And Travis pretty much bathed his entire face with Purel. It was a lot smaller than I had anticipated, but poignant, nonetheless. Entrance to the Vietnam Memorial. All that's missing is a bald eagle.... I really like this picture, not only because of the composition, but because it reminds me of a scene from the "Futurama" episode where the aliens from Zoidberg's planet enslaved the human race. This looks a lot smaller on the $5 bill. This is what the Taj Mahal would look like if it was tall and pointy. World War I Memorial... through the trees! Travis gets cozy with FDR's giant bronze dog. Matt joins the breadline at the FDR Memorial. Joanne and Travis lust over Thomas Jefferson. But then, they just got engaged, so they pretty much lust over everything right now. Yep, just like on the nickel. Dave was our tour guide, and with the help of a pre-trip survey, he tried to plan an itinerary of sites most of us hadn't seen before. First stop: the Jefferson Memorial. ...while Matt fell asleep! How is riding with Kristin and Matt like traveling with my grandparents? Kristin spent the drive to D.C. doing needlepoint...

I would be willing to bet money that Michael is Ben's "man on their boat"--and the other Oceanic 6 member revealed next week.

From the AP, via Yahoo: 'Idol' attraction coming to Disney World By DERRIK J. LANG, AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK - Disney World is about to get a little pitchy, dawg. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced plans Thursday to create a live performance attraction based on "American Idol" at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park — formerly called Disney-MGM Studios — in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. "Our goal is to try to recreate the excitement of those 24 people who show up on that 'American Idol' stage," Disney Parks chairman Jay Rasulo told The Associated Press. "We believe many, many viewers want to know exactly how that feels, and we're going to try to reproduce that feeling for them." Much like the hugely popular Fox singing competition, the as-yet-unnamed attraction — scheduled to open in late 2008 — will allow theme park guests to audition then perform before a live studio audience inside the Hollywood Studios' theater space formerly occupied by the "Doug Live!" and "Superstar Television" attractions. Disney licensed the rights to create the attraction from "Idol" co-producers 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia, despite the fact "American Idol" airs on Fox and Disney owns broadcast competitor ABC. "It is owned by us, so we can extend the brand in the off-air space in the ways that we want to," said Keith Hindle, FremantleMedia's licensing vice president. "We don't see this in any way as a NewsCorp. vs. Disney debate. That's never been part of the discussion, and it's not something that's relevant to us. It's just part of 'American Idol.'" The attraction's details are still being worked out, but it will probably operate something like this: Theme park guests ages 14 and up will be able to audition for a Disney casting producer. Those who pass the test will be selected to appear in one of the park's "Idol" stage shows. Rasulo anticipates six to eight such shows a day. Backstage, the performers will receive hair and makeup touchups from a stylist and singing tips from a vocal coach. Then, the guests will perform on an "Idol"-like set in front of a live audience and three judges. No, not Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Instead, Rasulo says it's likely three audience members will be selected to evaluate the performers while a live host will keep the show moving. Top audience vote-getters will compete in a grand finale show at the end of each day. Overall daily champs will win a special front-of-the-line pass at a regional audition for the actual "American Idol" show. Hindle says Disney winners won't be given any special treatment during the real audition, just the ability to skip ahead. Because of eligibility differences — namely, the TV show's 16- to 28-year-old age limit — winners may be offered the option of transferring their pass to a friend or family member, but they won't be allowed to sell it. Daily champs too young to audition for the real deal could save the pass until they're old enough to compete, according to Hindle. But will there be enough Fantasias and Sanyayas to keep theme park audiences captivated? "I know that there's enough talent on any given day in our theme parks to keep people entertained," said Rasulo. Beyond the attraction, Hindle says actual "Idol" stars may make appearances throughout the year and merchandise designed by both FremantleMedia and Disney's product divisions especially for the attraction would be available for sale. "It's a very collaborative process," Hindle said. "Disney knows more about live stage productions that we ever will. We know more about our TV show that Disney ever will. Exactly how this will manifest it is something that will be mutually approved by all parties. We're looking to Disney to see how their guests like to be entertained."

I couldn't agree more. I won a free, all-expenses-paid three-day Disney cruise at the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" attraction at Walt Disney World a few years ago, and it definitely wasn't worth what I paid for it.... These cruises are mainly geared toward those 7 and under, i.e. the Chuck E. Cheese crowd. Think costumed characters. Think ball pits. Even the food wasn't up to the same standard as what I've had on other cruise ships. Our last night on the ship we went to the piano lounge. One person tipped the pianists $20, and they thanked him profusely. He declared, "No, thank YOU! Listening to you guys is the only thing we've had to do here for the past three days!" But maybe a 3-year-old would like it. My favorite part was the lifeboat drill. This was when they sounded an alarm and everyone had to go to the deck for a simulation of what to do in case of an emergency. So alarms were sounding, and people were running everywhere. The youngest kids were scared and confused from the beginning. Then to add that "extra magic Disney touch," the crew held a screaming contest between both sides of the ship. So now people were screaming, and the kids were even more afraid. Then the crew added the cherry on top, encouraging everyone to "scream like you were going to die--because if this was a real disaster, you might!" Oh, those kids screamed, all right. Most of them didn't stop crying until well after dinner.... I can't imagine going on one of these cruises as a 19-year-old. I was miserable enough in my mid-20s.

Well, according to recent reports, the writers' strike is closer to being over, but it likely won't be over in time for a lot of new episodes (if any) this season. I think I read somewhere that the head writer for "Lost" is actually one of the strike leaders. I don't buy the theory that the Oceanic 6 are winners of the Golden Ticket contest. In last season's finale, Jack implied that each of the survivors received a Golden Ticket, not that they had won them. Kate was pretty adamant about not even wanting to use hers, so I can't see where she would have entered a contest for it. As for who the Oceanic 6 are, my guess is: Jack Kate Hurley Sayid Sawyer (doing what he's always done--surviving) Michael Now admittedly, Michael is somewhat of a wild card. But rumor has it he'll be returning to the island this season. He has the good guy/bad guy rep that would make him the perfect candidate for the person in the coffin. Of course, so do Sawyer and Locke, but I would think Kate would have wanted to go to Sawyer's funeral, and Hurley's "I'm sorry I went with Locke" speech in the gym leads me to believe Locke screwed up pretty royally--again--and likely didn't make it off (even if he eventually wanted to). Besides the identity of the person in the coffin, the biggest question I have now is what made Jack change his mind about going back to the island. Obviously the flash forward at the mental institution occurred very shortly after they returned to the mainland--people are still asking Jack for autographs, and Hurley screams "Oceanic 6" with a degree of significance it wouldn't have had, say, five years after their return. Hurley wants to go back, but Jack is adamantly against it. Flash forward to the scenes in last season's finale, and Jack has grown the beard he mentioned to Hurley, and he's telling Kate they have to go back. I've spent too many years of my life over-analyzing this show. So help me, it better end right....

I'm about halfway through "The Year of Yes" by Maria Dahvana Headley. It's basically her memoir of spending a year saying "yes" to every date she was offered while attending college in New York after moving from Idaho. I've also started reading Aida D. Donald's "Lion in the White House: A Life of Theodore Roosevelt." I'm a sucker for good non-fiction. On the Disney park front, I also read a few books over the winter break, including David Koenig's "Realityland," Kevin Yee's "Mouse Trap" and Ben Ohmart's "Welcome, Foolish Mortals: The Life and Voices of Paul Frees." The latest volume of "Walt's People" is also waiting in the wings, as is Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle," which I've had for awhile but keep putting off reading because it's autographed, and I don't want to read it on the road (when I have the most time to read) for fear of damaging it in a suitcase or seatback compartment.

Great stuff! I'm headed to Disney World (not Land) the day after tomorrow, and this really gets me in the mood! I miss the Skyway....

The Canada/NY/Western PA trip sounds great! Hope I'm not too late to get one of the non-Midwest Tripper spots.

I agree! Then we could have: Singing Dolls Singing Bears Singing Birds Runaway Mine Train Yeti Encounter Hotel Drop Dead Presidents Live! Haunted Mansion (oh, wait...) And my personal favorite: Ellen DeGeneres Presents Five Minutes of Incredible Audio-Animatronic Dinosaurs and Forty Minutes of Dialog-Heavy Movies That No One Really Cares About