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We cannot go back, but all the right words are being spoken by Ouimet. With Knotts, it has always been a tough choice between adding more and preserving the classic attractions and trying to maintain a theme. In a competitive market, they couldn't just stay in a bubble. At the same time, adding more and more could always end up overwhelming any theme no matter how careful they were. I will always miss those carefree, easy summers spent at Knotts riding Monty's and the Wacky Soap Box Racers over and over. I just hope the new management will be able to maintain the balance needed to preserve what is left, while adding and adapting to what is needed. Though honestly, the rumors about a large coaster really make me excited, even if such a coaster would be so notable and noticeable, even from Ghost Town. We shall see. I doubt any new attraction would be announced before the big attraction for this year, Windseeker, is complete.

Thank you guys for the amazing reports. It's funny, my brother has been the one more into Japan than me, but something about this trip and what you showed us in all the pictures and clips really stood out. The great time and warm feelings you guys experienced came through to those of us back home. The POV's were really fun to watch. Of course, seeing a few familiar faces never hurts and Kidtums is so cute. Plus, it was just a good thing that TPR demonstrated real support in spirit and money to the Japanese people and economy. The confidence you all showed in the Japanese, I am sure was much appreciated by the locals. I was always more into Europe, but from what you've shown, I put Japan on an equal footing and would love to go experience that uniqueness in the future. I know the 'real' time reports take away from family and fun time, so thank you.

Aw, I just checked out your visit to Glenpool, a familiar place to me. I know the speed trap entering the town coming up from Okmulgee on 75 (the Beeline,) the Sonic, and Quicktrip. Of course there just had to be Indian Tacos, it is Indian Country and Glenpool is in my Creek(Muskogee) Nation territory. A visit isn't complete without home made Fry Bread and a trip to the nearest Braums for a Cherry Limeade. I haven't been back in a while, since, ironically, a oil tank blew up when it was hit by lightning, the dark smoke made it look like a tornado in the pics I took of it. Oil is The big money maker. I am so glad you stopped by and hit up this particular small town festival. They are always such a unique mix of charm and crap. I really appreciate the pictures, not a bad carnival for such a small town. Hmm, I wonder if any of my relatives stopped by the festival.

There is actually a brand new Star Shape called "Air" traveling the UK now, owned by Danter Attractions. It will be hitting all the major funfairs. Youtube has a few clips now. Apparently these things take awhile to design and build, that one took 3 years. You may be in "some" luck, I keep coming across tidbits suggesting that a permanent version will be coming to Florida in 2013, perhaps to NASA, at least that is what I've read in a few different places.

Hi guys! I was wondering how long you'll be there? I'm sure the food comas will take a bit of time to get over, then, the zombie walk back to the cars. Still trying to figure my schedule and if I have extra loose sweatpants and a powered wheelbarrow to get home. KH

Let's see, had lunch and spent the day ironically with my very Catholic friend. Mmmm, Souplantation. Then mowing the lawn, with some video game fun later on. Don't believe, and really don't believe how much time was wasted on this in the media. 100 million dollars spent on this. Crazy. Though I enjoyed reading the Post Rapture Looting page on Facebook. With my luck, all the treating everyone with kindness and an open heart I do, would end up getting me sucked up by accident if there was such an event. "Stop, non believer here! Well not anymore I guess but I still don't want to spend an eternity with Flanders, I want to have fuuuunnnnn, Aaaaaaaaaa!"

Great report, you put up some of the most beautiful photos I've seen on TPR. You can really get a great feel for Istanbul, from the people to the cityscape through the photos. Really fun too. Thanks BTW, That swinging ride you didn't know is a Technical Park Street Fighter.

This morning in West Covina, $4.19, this afternoon $ 4.22, and that is the lowest 'quality' place.

I so wish these clips were around when I was growing up. I knew when I was 12, and just figured, okay, If I am lucky it will be at least 6 years before I could ever find anyone. Which was a pretty cold view, but, little did I realize how much more difficult it would be when you would develop feelings for guys that you couldn't make go away with a snap of the fingers. Most people thought of me as a nerd, so, I was picked on for that rather than being gay. At least, some people appreciated that being smart would be a good thing and gave me some slack. Still, High School sucked, forced to bury your true self, painful, very painful. There has been so much progress, and I wish I had been brave enough to be part of the vanguard that helped bring it about.

I've been checking out the trip reports and just love seeing all you guys have so much fun. I've certainly wanted to go visit sometime, even if Australia seems to filled with all manner of creatures that want to hurt you. Even some of the plants, but, you can't beat the accent. Nice to see some familiar smiling faces. I just know there was so much more than even the pictures show. You just can't beat a TPR trip. Very cool to have TPR on the news. Very cool.

I hate my neighborhood. I've been trying to be healthier and go for walks, well: One day I turned a corner and came across a couple of punks tagging a sidewalk and wall. They kept doing it even after they saw me. I called the cops even though I knew they would never get there in time. Idiots couldn't even do it right, they would take forever to paint anything. Another day I came across a group of potsmokers, not the cool, funny, goofy kind, more like wannabe tough guys who looked paranoid. Today, I had a minor run in with a couple of Mormons(!) when I refused to take their handout. One of them got pissed off when I flat out just said "no way." He responded with a loud "What did you say!" I said the same thing again and the guy obviously was on the edge of losing it. I kept on going since I really just wanted to walk. I could hear the second one trying to calm the first one down as I walked away. At least it was the first time I felt some honesty from someone handing out stuff like this rather than a false smile. This isn't a bad area either, it is basic middle class. I am so tired of it all.

Amazing statistics coming out of Japan are that they have had nearly 100 aftershocks over magnitude 5. Any one of which would cause a disaster in any other country. Scary thought, Tokyo is still overdue for their "Big One" not that this earthquake has anything to do with that. I remember after the Chino Hills 5.4 a couple of years ago, our phone system stopped working. We don't seem to think that far ahead. We know earthquakes area a part of life but aren't willing spend the dollars to make sure people are safe. At UCLA, they didn't retrofit the most vulnerable buildings until they almost collapsed in 94. If the worst case scenario, an 8 on the San Andreas hit, I would want to leave the area. I don't think people around here would react the same as we are seeing in Japan. In 94 there was looting and price gouging. Really, the worst affected areas only comprised a fairly small part of the metro area. A time to pull together became something else entirely. I can't imagine how bad it will be when the 'Big One" hits and the whole region is affected. All the pigeons will come home to roost with things we could have prevented if we thought like the Japanese. Yes, there is massive damage, but this earthquake was of such an increase in magnitude over anything else, that there is little to prevent some of what happened. An earthquake safe building cannot stand if the ground completely breaks apart, and then gets hit by a tsunami. We will see how bad it really is in the next few days. For now, we have to remember what is being shown is the obvious and most visually affective. We won't see the vast majority of buildings and structures that did survive just fine thanks to their preparations. We will see the injured and most understandably upset, we won't see the people who are going about their lives fairly normal again thanks to their preparations.

Apparently the damage to TDL's parking lot was actually caused by liquefaction rather than a direct hit from the tsunamis.

Ugh, I am so ready to scream over something so trivial. My best friend is driving me crazy over, of all things, a video game. I have a PS3, bought Dragon Age, and kinda didn't play it until recently. A good rpg game, my first. All the usual things, fighting, making decisions, building up your character, romance options were there. I had fun. Then, I lent the game to my friend, who I know likes these kinds of games. Is there a word that describes someone who has become obsessed and arrogant? I thought I had fun, did the thing, beat the enemy, tada. He starts playing and playing, and calling me every few hours to talk about decisions and minutiae. Telling me his decisions were the right ones, how no enemy in the game could stand up to him, cause he so good. Then he acts like he is freaked out by some of the character's dialog or because he cannot make sense of one of the possible decisions you can make. He wonders how I could have possibly not played the game for so long. Then he belittles how I played the game. My decisions were wrong, not playing as if what happened to my character wasn't a real matter of honor. I get that he really likes to learn and understand a topic completely. However, when, because on a second pass through a scene, a little game trophy doesn't appear, you erase 20+ hours of play time and start over to get it, that is wayyy too much. What happened to the normal you from 2 weeks ago? (BTW, once you get the trophy, you never lose it, it was a waste of time!) Because the sequel game is about to come, I wanted to play through as an evil character to have different history to import. Again, while I have many things to do during the day, he will call and cannot understand why I haven't finished already. Then he will go on and on about all the things I just have to do, while, tick tick, I'm stuck listening to all this and not actually playing. Oh look, guess who is calling for an 'update' seriously. sigh. I don't normally swear but... I needed to get that off my chest. k

What a cool idea to have all these trucks in one place and a system so you don't necessarily have to wait in the long lines. So many choices, made easy. Though I do agree with Elissa about the Fatburger Truck, that just isn't in the same spirit as all those other unique choices. I kinda wanted to do this, but the truck I've been really wanting to try, The Grilled Cheese Truck, happened to be at a fundraiser, near where I live, finally(!). Since it was close I talked my friend into going. I had a Grilled Gruyere, BBQ Pork, caramelized onion, basil sandwich with a side of Tomato Soup. They had other trucks, as well but the wait for the Grilled Cheese was probably 45 minutes. It was really good, but the wait was a bit much. It really would have been better to get there early. They will run out of certain things, too, if you are not there when they start. I believe there is also one website that lists all the trucks and maps out where they are at any given time. It's a fun way to try different types and styles of food. Clearly, a festival like this, is the smart way to go. I would have given half my sandwich for a taste of those Churro Tots.

I've seen three shows in person, Quidam, Corteo, and Kooza. While all three were amazing, I loved Corteo the most by far. It just had a solid organic melding of story, music, and acts. Several of the acts were just so unique and thrilling, plus the humor was really funny. I thought the moment when the little woman was allowed to float over the audience hanging from a free floating balloon, and people had to become a part of the show by catching her and pushing her around was so cool. Plus she was adorable. Quidam was certainly the my second favorite. Strong concept and exciting acts, with a more of a formal "classical" style of comedy. Kooza was good but felt a little thinner overall in concept and the kinds of acts that were in it. The Wheel of Death, though, was pretty intense. I am really interested in seeing Totem, as there seems to be some Native American influence on the concept, at least from the title and some of the artwork I've seen. Whatever show you see is well worth the money. The absolutely amazing level of talent and skill, combined with the full performance just draws you right in. You will laugh, gasp, and be moved. Plus, to be honest, the performers have to be in pretty darn good shape to do what they do. Make of that, what you will. I've seen the same shows on tv or dvd and while very enjoyable, in person, up close, the experience goes to another level. Except from what I've heard, the Criss Angel/Cirque Du Soleil "Believe" show in Vegas. I've seen very very very few positive reviews, most are pretty angry and upset about that one.

Um, I wrote a poem that actually won a poetry contest, it was only at Borders, but still. The story behind it comes after: Bright and Cheery in the End or Which Way to Tomorrow The paths lead this way and that None too easy, None too clear The rains fall, water into covered eyes Mud jumps to grab and to claw and to slow Roaring din, sound and fury Say, scream; choose, Fight On The proud stand back The disappointed push forward On the even edges, light and dark, glory and defeat Beyond, the placid green field beckons Grey seamless skied overhang The brown forest flails in the storm Limbs fall, Toppling trees Send their roots to the sky Trails closed, trails opened Run forward, Chance has turned Dappled light leads the way Eagle sight, open wood The final press and there ye stood. Arsenal one. Arsenal won. Football for everyone. Yes, a poem about, well, I'm American, so soccer. I honestly do love it as it is, and, without the last line, it works very well on it's own. I do feel my poem describes the give and take of a athletic competition in an artistic manner and provides a satiric edge on two accounts. One, poems can take the reader/listener on an emotional journey that need not be so one sided or expected, and, Two, despite the passions of the fans, sport events are not really that serious. In a contest filled with the usual kinds of poetry, I wanted to tweak people a bit.

I won a giant pink ball. I was aiming for a different color. As usual I ended up with pink, which is hilarious. Out of any gumball machine, super bouncy ball machine or claw machine, if the prize is pink I will usually win it. A machine with 99% blue balls (heh)and I will somehow get the pink one. Even if I don't see anything pink, something pink will come out as a prize. This has been going on for years and years. It's like the world was trying to tell me something. Something true as it turned out, LOL. It is just so cool that this company has done this. I thank Real Art Design for this fun opportunity.

So far I've really liked these 3 commercials: Volkswagen- "The Force" Really cute, love how the kid reacts at the end. Carmax- The 50's service station. How far our standards have fallen--"I'm being carjacked!" "Is he stealing my engine?" We really wouldn't know what to do if we were treated so well. Hyundai- All that old technology. I love the guy carrying a record player with earphones and the silent movie "Kaboom!" The zeppelin in the background was a nice touch.

This is absolutely true. I went into a TPR trip, a bit nervous and came out of it, incredibly moved. To the person, everyone was super friendly. It was easy to hang out with everyone, randomly. Different groups of people every day. Just be able to say hello and you will not be alone. TPR has become THE most welcoming group of people who love theme parks. Be open to the experience and you will have the best time. Kevin

I should have said this when I met you, but, I have to say that I may have joined TPR only in the last year, but I have enjoyed your nostalgic posts since you started doing them. I am very much a fan of nostalgia and seeing how parks evolve with the times and the available technology. They are a reminder of how quick things do change, and that we should enjoy what we can when we can. Thank you so much for the work you have done to preserve this unique history.

Empire of the Sun. The idea of being a young kid with a unique perspective in a topsy turvy world just appeals to me.

What partners hand in hand with all the innovations and concepts everyone is listing is the fact that increasing millions of people have access to all of that around the world and it's been done safely. Sure there were isolated incidents, but, for the most part the amusement industry provides one of the safest experiences for anyone, even as they push into new technological territory. Also, Robb, Elissa, Kidtums and everyone who make up TPR. Thank you all!

I am certainly not as experienced in riding all that many coasters. So, when I read about bad coasters here, I just did not relate. Nothing I've ridden was so bad to stand out. This year, though, I managed my very first TPR trip (woohoo!) and Huracan at Belantis stood out in its awfulness. It was so bright, shiny, and new... I was so happy, and then, the ride started. It's like finding out Santa exists but he clubs baby seals and you're the seal.

I am a night owl... "Why is Elissa wearing a raincoat?" She must be riding "V12 Enter the Engine" where the ride attendants hand riders the ponchos to wear even though apparently the ride is not that wet. Source: I followed a link off of Screamscape on 11/19 that took me to a review of the park on malcomspage.blogspot.com. In the review they person described the ride and the fact that you get a poncho. I remembered the trip review when I saw the photo and just went back to Screamscape to confirm. Edit: I see the person above got the ride in question before me, darn my internet.