redmenace8

I am liking this a lot. I've heard of West Coast Customs via various Youtubers getting wraps on their high end cars.The idea of having such a local company aspect tied to the new coaster is really interesting and fitting with the car theme. Plus, it looks like a fun coaster, taking some of the ideas from Twisted Colossus and Full Throttle, then ramping them up to be the whole coaster. Now that my little cousin is finally ready to go to Magic Mountain, I'll be able to check this out sooner rather than later.

No surprise at a surfing theme for the Boardwalk. I get that Hangtime sounds like it fits, and probably will end up the name. But, that other trademarked name, The Ledge would work as well. "Breaking the ledge" is an actual surfing term, a reference to part of a wave. It's probably a bit esoteric for the general public, but, we shall see.

Ninja Sex Party with TWRP at the El Rey in LA. Both are pretty comic bands, with an 80's vibe. They also grew and developed thanks to Youtube. NSP is a side project from the Game Grumps. It's a great group of people, and the fans are so nice to be around. We are all just a bunch of geeks.

It has been a very long time since I logged in. This caught my eye, and I just had to. I will say, life didn't just go off the rails, it steamrolled over my family in a very bad way, for a very long time. Basically, I took care of my mom, as she fought cancer for several years. So, rough times. I did go on a TPR trip long ago. I don't even want to think how many years it has been. The memories of that, helped keep me going during the hardest of times. The videos you guys put in the meantime, were perfect bite size distractions, when needed. I felt connected to an outside world I couldn't be part of. So, I still watched and kept up to some extent on TPR. I have to say that seeing where this site has gone in that time has been quite something, even inspiring. Hard work does pay off. Having strong positive influences around you, friends, professionals, content, can make a difference in how you try to improve your own life. You get energy from that. I do follow quite a few Youtubers and such, now, and it's the same, long hours dedicated to making their viewers happy. We see only the final product. Most don't consider what goes on behind it, to bring it to life. Even a "simple" onride video. You need the right footage which takes time, then the editing, then processing, where you hope nothing goes wrong. Plus, the business of it all, and keeping up with all the social media platforms. Then there is the TPR events. Imagine doing all that, while trying to handle 50 or a 100 people on a trip. I remember my trip and while a group of us were just hanging out, having a few drinks, Robb was trying to upload content to the site. This wasn't even a full scale kind of trip. It was supposed to be more of a small scale personal thing, that kind of grew. Yet, there he was, still showing his passion for all this, to share with his community, something special. The trip went flawlessly, thanks to him and Elissa. I never had to worry about the process, only about what fun thing is next. I've heard of the bad apples, and have, of course, seen how much worse things can get thanks to the Internet. We've all seen the unnecessary, and ugly attacks over nothing. I see people looking to others just to get something out of them. I see the insane amount of entitlement. One channel is taking their first vacation in 9 years. They do insanely creative work and will get back to it after. Yet, some of their viewers savaged them instantly, for doing what is right for their own sanity. How must that person feel? Exactly what Robb has been talking about for years. It's hard to just ignore any of that. We are all human. When you put effort into something, when you put yourself out there beyond what the average person does, you need and deserve to be respected. A person's behavior on a trip, and how honest they are, after, is an indicator of that. Doing what's right, and common sense. These are qualities that seem to go missing more and more every day. Trips got bad back then. Imagine how much worse it would be, today. The ways of the internet have just accelerated that devolution, and people carry it into the real world so much. I was saddened when they stopped, but, the longer it has been, the more obvious it was the right thing. You don't set yourself on fire, to keep other people warm, especially when that person has thrown away their own blanket. I'm glad I got my trip to Germany in. And, in a couple of years, I will take my cousin on a similar trip, so that, he has those kind of good memories and experiences I had. That one trip, will keep being a benefit for years to come.

Wootstout 2.0 Very Strong, 13.5%, but very rich flavor, really good.

Yeah, Back Alley, that can go in so many directions, in thought, whimsical isn't one of them. Still, the area definitely needs a renovation, that will be very welcome.

I do very much like this. This has so much of the iconic look and feel of Colossus, vastly updated to provide a fun, updated, exciting ride. So many coasters have track that crisscross in structure, and images and ads emphasize it, but the reality is that two trains never cross in that way. Keeping the tracks separate and having long form inversions right over the other track is such a cool effect. Hopefully, they can maintain that kind of operation. Well done.

Hmm, I was just checking out the SkyVue webcam and things seemed to have changed a bit. It had been looking pretty forlorn, with some ragged tarps just blowing in the wind. Now the tarps are gone and it looks (it is night) like there is a crane on site, now. Anyone hear of any new developments?

I voted for Option 1. I really do like having a Twitter feed, just, right there. I've seen it on more and more sites, lately. While I am sure the main page will be updated as quickly as necessary. Tweets tend to be an even faster, and simpler way of giving notice of anything immediately noteworthy. A quick glance at the feed and, boom, I am up to date. I, also, like the way that the feed helps frame and anchor the main image window. Option 2, on my monitor, has the huge main image, and nothing more. It looks fine, but, for me, having that floating there, makes it feel incomplete and too simple. The Twitter feed adds context to the images, and brings me more into what the site is all about, fresh and up to the minute information about theme parks and attractions around the world. At the same time, the window is large enough to really be able to appreciate what is being shown. Just my opinion, Whatever is chosen, I am sure, will work just fine.

I agree with you about Skyvue's location way down south.. You pique my curiosity with that comment about Skyvue. As for High Roller's location, actual experience on the wheel will provide that answer. Though the points being made are certainly valid. Being that high up, broadens the possibilities of the view, no matter where it stands; plus, with the economy improving, who knows where and what will provide the new center of growth in Vegas. It seems a new spurt has begun and the Linq is a major start to that. With the former Echelon spot getting ready to restart construction, with a Chinese inspiration, plus the new Sahara, and the other project between New York New York and Monte Carlo there will soon be some very interesting new things to check out, which should only encourage more again.

I loved American Hustle, as well. I was a bit worried that it might get lost behind "Look at me, it's the 70's, laugh at the bad fashion" vibe I was getting initially. Funny enough, that aspect was handled very well, throw it in your face then let the characters stand for themselves. By the end, you don't see the fashion, you only see well developed characters who you've seen grow and change. I was also worried at first that the pace might be a bit slow, but, the dialog draws you into the characters. It is only when they are well developed that the story really kicks into gear, which elevates your investment into what happens, just like a good movie should. The acting is very good all around. Amy Adams is just amazing, Christian Bale is so far away from Batman, another one of his transformations. So, American Hustle is a well written, "adult" movie with well developed characters, moments of fun, and some strong scenes of character development.

^Really nice looking wheel there. I just wish it was more one the strip itself, but, at least it got built. It's sad that the Skyvue project still has a live webcam up, looking at the same dead construction site all these months. They should probably just turn it off.

I put up simple decorations, our main deal is pumpkins. Every year 12 or more pumpkins, I usually use those patterns but I always make up some on my own or just get an idea from something around. The past few years my mom has carved half of them, though, this year, due to illness, I don't think she will be able to do much, so it will be up to me. Here's some examples, using the multi uploader: I thought this wouldn't take that long, 4 hours later... Why not?

Took a moment for myself today, and checked out Gravity in 3d. Blown Away. Visuals obviously incredible. Definitely somewhat disorienting at times, matching to some extent, what the characters are going through. I think done in a way that rides that line, just when things start to push, the director pulls back and stabilizes the shot by switching the perspective, then back again. This is no Cloverfield. For example, non spoiler territory, you have a nice shot of earth, like you would see in any other movie, but then it just envelopes you as if you were an astronaut and it is unsteady, I started to get the feeling of being in one of those rotating tunnels in a haunt maze, somewhat, but, then the shot changes. I could hear the older ladies sitting near me do a "woah" kind of reaction, which was funny. Going close up to the actors faces was usually how that feeling was moderated, where the extreme action was still going on, but you had a focus. Anyways, very intense and fast paced, yet, with room for significant quiet moments-- very strong acting, a bit strong on the symbolic stuff for me, but I can let that go. One of the ladies next to me said, "I'm never going to complain about things going wrong in my life again." Well, that, and the movie should be Best Picture. I definitely loved the movie, too. I usually love SciFi anway, but this was special.

All I know is that, I couldn't remember the name "Full Throttle after 3 days of trying. I had to look it up. I only think of it as YOLOcoaster.

Yeah, this ride looks great. Certainly, I feel, better than the Evolution, I find them a bit outdated, now, (used to like them more) and claustrophobic with the safety cage around you, with the only thrill being upside down high up rather than any g forces on the body. Plus, the long rush of blood to the head can be a bit much. I love the swinging pendulum rides more. The forces and potential heights, (at least the big versions in Europe) make them very dynamic, combining what the Evolution brings with some g forces. They do have versions that make the full circuit. One thing I've noticed about the traveling types that do go upside down, with the free swinging seats, ie. KMG Inversion, they are not run very well in the US. If the operator lets the seats swing free at all, it is only for a very short time, making that innovation a novelty and not a major part of the ride experience like it should be. Keeping it simple with a Frisbee going over sounds like a safe and fun bet. Being open to the sky, that is a thrill.

I definitely loved the Coaster Expedition idea more, right now. It seems that a big part of what TPR is about when traveling the world is not exclusively focusing on coasters, but rather, on the entirety of the experience. I know you've said that a big part of visiting parks is seeing how the unique aspects of different countries ends up reflected in their theme parks. The more comprehensive view of these parks is just so unique and fun to compare. Not everyone will get to have that in depth experience, there are just so many places TPR can show off.

I really liked 50/50 as well. I first watched it with a friend who had been preliminarily diagnosed with a brain tumor, (false as it turned out) and he was really moved by it. The movie had the right touch, maybe I would have liked a bit more emotional bits but it plays very well-not overwrought. I feel like watching it again now that someone in my family is dealing with the strong possibility of having to deal with something like the subject of the movie, can't say or write it out yet, just, still hoping.

Wow, this story makes me sick. When I go to a haunt, I don't expect to be treated the same as at any other time. I expect a more rude and crude experience, the park is supposed to be filled with monsters created from the dregs of the earth. If I wanted a 'nice' experience I would go to Disneyland. Plus, it really is looking more and more like this woman was the instigator, one of those self entitled princesses who don't want to be called out on their own crap. I really hated seeing all the comments about the abuse the talent receives. They work long hours to do something they love and to give something special to park guests. Hopefully Knotts will be able to find the truth of the matter and let the talent do their thing.

TPR is known for the trips you guys put together, respected everywhere for the quality, care and effort put into making them so memorable and fun. You and Elissa have proven beyond any doubt you know exactly how to take care of your customer base. Anyone who has been on a trip or read a trip report from you guys or anyone else can see in your faces exactly how much you care about making every moment worth more than every penny. I get frustrated planning a trip to Oklahoma, thinking about the work involved here makes my head spin. Because of this, It doesn't really matter to me what trips you end up doing, if I ever get the opportunity to go on one again, I know it will be amazing. It might not be the most useful thing to hear, since you guys are trying to figure out the schedule for next year, but it is the truth. I like the mix of traditional and the possibilities of different, unexpected choices, which TPR makes certain to provide every year.

I think it looks like it will be a fun ride and Full Throttle does give SFMM a full circuit launch coaster. Coming from Premier, a company that has shown that when given a chance, they can do interesting things, this is a good thing. Still, the advertising is way too filled with hyperbole for a pretty simple coaster, End to end, the adjectives used might be longer than Full Throttle. On a side note, when I think of "Full Throttle", I don't really imagine stopping in the middle, then going backwards, then forwards again and I think this is part of what is hanging people up on the backwards launch. It goes counter to theme.

Wow, that really is a great looking coaster, and what a great name, sometimes things just work.

If Knotts were to build such a significant coaster, I think we can agree that it would be the marquee ride for the park. I've tried to check out the reaction to Leviathan. It seems that most people really enjoy the ride. They talk about that drop and the sense of speed. The thing is that quite a few seem to like Behemoth more. Speed and airtime, together, just have a stronger impact I think, the way the body is impacted. What I would wish is that whatever they have decided, I want it to be memorable. A tall, steep drop is great, but there are thousands more feet of track to really affect riders and make a lasting impression. And, yes, ejector airtime would be pretty unique around here. Really, I would be happy with any high quality attraction, but, if it is a coaster, then why not have the best of all worlds: height, speed, G's and both ejector and floaty time, this is their chance.

I really love this report. What a great thing to preserve and present these images. I really miss that skyway too.

What a fun trip report. Great pics, always happy to see someone include the food they experience on trips. I am glad to see that Magic Springs has gotten its act together. A few years ago, the place was struggling with so many rides constantly down; people were getting very dissatisfied with the place. There is just something right with ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone on a hot, humid day. Looks so good.