cfc

^So, dissatisfied customers is also an "industry wide" problem?

^^Idlewild and Compounce are part of the deal, too (according to the story in the link).

It would be sad to see this truly funky, excellent park go corporate, but time will tell.

^Yep--she ain't gonna let some damn reindeer run her over on Christmas Eve, or any other day or anyplace, by gum!

Well, when you hire your hit woman at Waffle House . . .

^Hell, there's a group in Virginia that's campaigning for guns to be allowed in public libraries.

My thoughts exactly. Disney "raises the bar" at TDS for most everything because they aren't spending their own money, I think--the Tokyo resort is actually owned by the Oriental Land Company, correct?

Funny stuff, Wes. We need "Unicorn v. Donkey" for next Halloween.

That pic of you with the King of the Monsters is one of your best from the trip, Lou.

Hell, I'd be happy if they'd paint Rebel Yell and put the lights back on the rails. They've retracked bits of Grizzly, but a full treatment would be nice.

^^I think there was honey-flavored popcorn, Lou--and that curious "soda-flavored" corn, as well.

I stayed at the Boardwalk a few years back, but the damn ship's mast slide was out of commission. Burn in hell, Figment!

One thing that surprised me was there weren't any Godzilla-themed attractions at any of the parks we visited; hell, even Ultraman rated a simulator ride at Tivoli.

^The coconut was the best.

^I've been pretty lucky with cats when it comes to Christmas trees, Scott. The late Joaquin, and the very much alive Angus McNasty, have been quite content to just sleep under them. ^^I wouldn't dream of intruding on any future "Cooking with Joe" TRs.

They were selling Soda-flavored corn near Space Mountain--tasted more like bubble gum to me.

2 El Toro SFGAd 5 Balder Liseberg 7 Phoenix Knoebel's 25 Megafobia Oakwood I've only ridden four of them. EDIT: I would put Balder on top, but the order remains the same for the others.

^Ah, but do you have th Star Fleet Runabout with Worf's voice: "I wish you a most honorable holiday. Q'apla!"

The backstory of the TDS Tower is actually more in line with the "Twilight Zone" than its counterparts in the states--it has a definite "moral" to it (that is, don't underestimate "primitive" cultures) that the others lack.

The lobby paintings were hilarious--many of them involved Hightower posing heroically with his latest acquisition, while his assistant fought off angry natives.

Anybody out there who is looking for Christmas Story ornaments, check out your Suncoast Video Store (they sell the lamps). Hallmark has a Ralphie and BB gun ornament, too.

Not that anyone is complaining, mind you. Pre-Production Code Betty Boop rules! Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

It's one of my favorite healthy recipes--but I've never thought of using balsamic vinegar in it (just wine). I'll have to give the vinegar a shot. Literally came up with it one day a few years ago when contemplating leftover veggies in the fridge. I make a lot of soup during the winter (beef-barley is my favorite). Yeah, the roller coaster ornament one was one of those "Hallmark Keepsakes." I admit to having five Star Trek ornaments (and my parents are sending me another one)--but my favorite is still that boxy little shuttlecraft.

^^The McCormick Pepper-and-Garlic Grinder is a staple in my house, Dave--it's awesome.

Diet Northern Neck Ginger Ale, pal--the most awesome diet soda anywhere! Time to finish the tree (learn by my example). . . . and Angus McNasty (right, Dave?). Merry Christmas, everybody! Oh yeah--a monorail (right, Scott?) . . . Well that oughta do it, but something seems missing . . . hmm . . . Hi dee ho, kids! Can you find Mr. Hanky? Hmm--I think the snowman would like a little privacy here. Here's Mickey and Pluto (that's for you, Lou). . . . as did this hummingbird. This snowflake once belonged to Grandma Campbell . . . And now, a tribute to my old cat Joaquin, who went to cat heaven right before Christmas three years ago.