chadster

Pretty much, that's what it is. So I guess if anyone wants to see people getting run over with cameras in their hands, just stake out the Thirty Mile Zone, it will happen eventually. Anyway, returning to my normal Monday time slot tomorrow with pictures from Tron @DCA, afterhours.

^^Superman is actually not bad backwards as you don't really know when you are going to stop at the top (well after a few rides you do) but still, looking straight down as you hang for a split second is pretty awesome. Even better with rain hitting you in the face in that rare case they run it in the rain (WCB 2011) Let's face it, the only two parts of the ride that the public will really notice is the launch and the spike, you already go backwards at some point.

That alone should tell them something...

When turning a train backwards you really only have to worry about two things(sure there may be a few others, but two main things) brakes and sensors. Sensor placement may need to be adjusted for both trains to line up, or a second set installed with a PLC upgrade to know what train is on track and what sensor trips to look for on. (I'm sure it already knows which train is on track ) Brake fin locations may also need to be adjusted on the backwards train so that everything lines up. Pretty much those are the only two things an operator does to run a train backwards on a woodie as well.

Too much. Are you sure it doesn't remind you of the Mt. Olympus resort? While there is somewhat of a resemblance and was truly a sh!t hole, it was missing the neon lights in the hotel and buffet like Isle has.

Harvey doesn't bother me all that much as his show and website provide for good entertainment at other peoples' expense. But yeah, so now that people now what TMZ stands for, who here can tell us what it is? Shall I give away a Ripley's travel guide thingy for the best answer? Even if it's wrong, creativity counts

That ship is reminding me more and more of the Isle of Capri casino in Lula, MS

I guess no one knows... Opps. All that weirdness must of got to me.

And to further the above, you won't need a full day to travel to Anaheim, two hours give or take. I'd stay in SD overnight, hit the zoo and Belmont on your first day there and stick around for Manta the following day and drive to Anaheim after 6, should be there no later than 8:30. Possibly could spend another day in Dallas to fool around and be able to hit belmont on your fly in day(which would be one day later), skip the zoo, and hit SW the next day for Manta. Don't forget about Sandy Lake while you are in Dallas!! As far as LA airports I LOVE John Wayne - Orange County (SNA) It's easy to get to, friendly, and not overwhelming. Close to Knotts as in 20 minute drive in traffic, 30 min in heavy traffic. When you drop off the rental, you hit the elevators to the third floor, walk across the bridge and you are at the security checkpoint, well one of 4 of them.

Testing the waters to see if this is a possible direction to head towards, if not, will turn around and go in a different direction.

Zingoman is right, Gotham and that entire area is looking pretty sad the last few years. A makeover will do it good.

About a week before this years Academy Awards I made my way to Hollywood where I met up with SuperShawn and Shane for a personal tour of Hollywood that included a stop at Ripley's Believe it Or Not with tickets courtesy of PAL. Thanks Paul! We started out by eating at Los Tacos in West Hollywood, a 24-hour Mexican Restaurant located next to a 7-11 in a small strip mall. The food there is pretty awesome and all made to order. A meal will set you back about $10 and is well worth it. I had a sampling of enchiladas(yummy) and tacos served with rice and beans. I'd hit it again. After dinner it was off to find a free street parking spot next to Hollywood High and made our way to the Boulevard, my first ever trip and another mark off the bucket list. I was honestly surprised at how compact everything was, a definite tourist trap but worth going to experience it. See for yourselves and don't forget to comment! Your comments, good or bad, keep me posting weekly! Next Week - Disney's California Adventure, what happens after dark. Hint: It's not World of Color Here we are at Hollywood and something. Ever wonder what's inside? Well, we are about to find out. First ever visit to the franchise and armed with free tickets we were about to believe it....or not. Walking into the "Museum" we were greeted by this freak of nature. And of course the first question asked by the guys was "I wonder how big his ***k is" Good question actually. We looked, but didn't find that exhibit on display. You are supposed to look at this and let it play tricks with you. Ancient artifacts! Hey look, it's another freak of nature, on a wicker chopper. Looks like something OCC would do, you know, something that's not practical and doesn't run? Another one of those things you are supposed to look at. Ok, this was effed up. Apparently is some country, somewhere, and some group of people, they tape up their feet to be pointed, and then they grow like that or something. I would just have invested in some PeeWee Herman shoes. And here we have a one eyed sheep, perfect for jihadists. But if the sheep is in use, they have a lamb And should it not be your lucky day, you can opt for this. Best.ShootingAttraction.Evar NBC and MSNBC Someone ate a crap ton of Starbursts to make this prom dress, shoes, tux...I wonder what else what got ate... Ladies. Single ones. Pay ATTENTION! This chair says I'm HOT! Shawn is cute! Boob credit! Shawn has a new man in his life and is all giddy over him. And then we come semi circle to Marilyn. Happy Birthday Mr. President. Not too windy today, besides, Shirley didn't have a skirt on. Look, it's the Betty Boob, er Boop patent copyright thingy yeah.... um, no. Honestly while it was fun, it took us about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through. Glad we didn't pay 17.95... Did I mention that Hollywood Blvd is kinda tourist trappy? How about some stars, after all I came to look at fancy rock with names on it. Will he win Celebrity Apprentice? It's too crowded up in here. Miss Piggy! Shawn found Dolly! I just wonder why they didn't install two for her... So let's walk around a minute. I wonder if this is where Tom Cruise lives? Best part of Hollywood. Strike a pose Where all the celeb's hang out, you know, Kathy Griffin, Regis, Bob Saget They were setting up for the Academy Awards and hot a lot of stuff blocked off, but here, we found a theatre. I'm not a smart man, but I'd say Jimmy Kimmel is taped over there. And here you can see the work going on. Union workers, takes them two weeks to setup barricades and mobile seating. Chinese Theatre, Finally! Another check of the bucket list! Shirley's famous! In super close proximity is the Kodak theatre, soon to be something else, because Kodak is broke. So there's Hollywood, right smack dab in the TMZ Comment if you know what American Graffiti is. Pretty neat all in all, but as I mentioned, it's a one and done thing really. The only other thing on my bucket list in the Hollywood area would be a TMZ bus tour, not sure why, I just want to do it. Maybe next year. Noted. A fitting end to my Hollywood visit. Don't forget to comment! Next week, Tron @ DCA!

This is a shameless post to turn the page for my next adventure to Hollywood

Chickens fear you.

I'm liking this one David, perhaps a little too cedar pointy (if that makes sense, it kinda looks like their website or an old version of it, oh. wait. I know where I've seen something like this, on their Pepsi machines) but still it conveys what TPR is. No logo (site name) is winning for me as this screen shoot points out, the profile pic has the site name and right beside the profile pic we have theme park review showing. Three TPR's in a span of 4 inches is a little much IMHO. And since I left my laptop at home, well, I have to wait until tonight to upload a few.

Just an update to this...Freeze is indeed closed and May is what I heard, but Shockwave was up and thrilling in all it's glory! Was basically walk on all day today, and ops were letting people stay on as long as no one was waiting for their row. Thanks for the update, sucks Freeze is still down, guess I'm going to continue to hold out for a while. It's already been down 4 months and to be down an additional 2 months I would hope they are retrofitting it for...wait for it...wait for it...AQUATRAX!

I was about to mention this, I like it as well, but with it, and quite honestly most any other cover photo that's posted, the profile pic makes the cover photo look out of place somewhat

So here is my personal opinion which I know carries a ton of weight /sarcasm. Looking at Facebook pages from other companies, I don't see that the company logo adds any value to the cover photo. After all, one clicks on the link to the company FB page or its typed in. It's not like you can search by cover photo, so I say ditch the logo. As I'm running through various cover designs of my own(yes I really will submit one and not backseat critique), the logo just seems out of place given the current profile pic. Granted there is one that I have conceptualized that it *might* work on and takes a cue from the re-designed front page, but even at that it looks too web pagish and not facebookish. Take it for what you will

So I just thought of something, commercially shot photos or photos not owned by the designer. Should they or should they not be used? I'm putting my lawyer hat on here and thinking it might not be a good idea unless the photos are included in a press kit for re-use and distribution under a license that states you can manipulate the image. Not my call tho. Chad "I'm not a real lawyer but I work with a D.A. and slept at a Holiday Inn Express" Carter

So based off of the examples the immediate preference seems to be simple, clean, and pops with brand identity, I think we can work with that. And no, I won't submit something with Hooters girls as a suggestion, afterall I've got to keep our demographic makeup in mind here

We should just use the one from Hooters.

The local CBS affiliate is cleaning out their tape library in preparation to move to a start of the art facility. As they are cleaning out and reviewing video they are showing old news stories that have a special meaning to Tulsans. This week they highlighted the PTC classic Zingo from Bell's. They also interview Robbie Bell who is still working to get those kiddies rides operational at the flea market. KOTV - CBS - Return to Bell's circa 1980 The water slide tower was a big hit for about 10 years before having the slides disassembled and replaced with raft slides. I can remember my cousin came to town in 1984 and even with a huge lightning storm on approach and highly visible, we continued to cycle on the water slides laughing and smiling until closing time. It was truly one of the best memories I have of the park. Well, outside of smooching a girl in the Phantasmagoria only to get caught by the parents when the ride came out into the open on the second floor. Ah childhood, I want to go back.

Be careful tho, it's FRAGILE (must be French)

mmmmm cupcakes... Happy B-Day KT!

We need to get a pool going for what time they fell asleep.