ryein

I post content on my blogs about my hobbies - that includes trip reports on my amusement park trips. That includes photos and thoughts, and I'm a pretty logical person when writing so there's a lot of "logistical" details included in my commentary. What apps/sites do I use and how do I use them? 1) I use an RSS reader (Feedly) to follow a variety of blogs and a handful of tumblr feeds. I use the app on my iPhone throughout the day and I'll follow up in the evening after work on my laptop. 2) YouTube - I never post videos, but I have a few daily searches to look for new videos, and I'll just click around on related videos from time to time. I've sent a few messages and I might have left one or two comments ever. 3) Facebook - I usually read and "like" posts that interest me. I rarely share things (website links, memes, photos) with others, unless I feel it's truly important for the "greater good". I post photos and details about more-interesting events in my life. I comment when I find the inspiration. I save a lot of links to read later, too. 4) I have Line for messaging. And I use it for that. I don't use any really public "social" features. Likewise, I use Skype for contacting far-off family. 5) I have a Twitter account that I basically never read and never post to. I'd be tempted if there was something seriously beneficial to using it, but I haven't reached that point yet. It's probably more old-school than most people use, but I've always had a collection of daily bookmarks that I open up in the evening to cover some of my non-RSSable things like message boards, YouTube, and websites. For the most part, I'm a lurker. I do like commenting and responding when I see fit, especially when it comes to the personal blogs and such. But "that's awesome!" just feels so ... standard. It's the text version of a "like" button (I do like "like" buttons, though). I like sharing my opinion.

Yeah, the rides here are generally pretty tame compared to the States. There are a few standouts at a few parks around Japan, and there's Fuji-Q with its massive lines. I don't believe it's about the "thrill" factor, because regular pirate ship rides are popular enough in the States, especially with kids. I think it's an issue of space-to-interest ratio. Most pirate ship riders in the US are kids, as far as I can remember, while amusement parks in Japan are date destinations and lots of couples (and adults in general) ride the pirate ships. Parks in Japan can use their space (and some of them have a LOT of land) to bring in massive rides that appeal to everyone. It's just a different mentality - can you imagine a pirate ship ride in the US consistently having 200 riders? ... Then again, I've never seen a full pirate ship in Japan either (but I try to visit on the low times).

I love the looping ships. I can, and have, spent basically an entire day spinning round and round on them, reriding over and over again. They're relaxing and thrilling at the same time. I probably like the Intamin ones the best, but Zamperla Hawk (like at Discovery Kingdom), Huss Rangers, and pretty much anything else like that will give me reason to visit a park, or extend my stay. I just got back from western Japan and rode ジャイアントハンマー (Giant Hammer) which is a swinging ship, at Miroku No Sato. I think I rode one just like it many years ago at Drayton Manor. This one left you hanging upside down for quite a long time a couple times, so it was a lot of fun! If/When I can get back to that region I might go back to the park. Someone asked about the giant ships in Japan. I've been on a few and they are fun, but because of their size they take longer per swing. That tames them down a little which I guess Japanese people like. You still get that falling sensation, though, and it might be for a little longer time. I think they can seat 200 people per cycle. And I like riding them over and over too.

I don't have time to read through the forums all the time, so the emails really help me keep up to date on the important stuff. Keep 'em coming!

I was looking at Yomiuriland's website and it seems like the coaster's been removed from the website. The only reference I can find is the notice about the accident, found in the news section. They had an alert posted on the front page that the coaster was closed for about a month, but that is gone too. I wonder if anything's happening with the ride right now.

Good to see you finally got a shot of Robb eating outside of a restaraunt. [/img]

I've been about for a little while and figured it's time I posted a pic. In addition to theme parks and such I love going to concerts. So, below is a picture of me (far left acting like something's actually happening) and some people I don't know in the front (the catwalk is right next to me) at a late-2004 concert with The Music, Keane, Muse, Jimmy Eat World, and Velvet Revolver. If you're interested in more about me, go to http://www.myspace.com/boyeh and my fledgling Robb-rip-off website with pictures at http://www.amusementridereview.com I'm the dork on the left. I have a full beard now. And my hair isn't as long so it looks better.