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^This was a very "off" year election, at least in the Powahatan district of James City County. Voters were asked to go into the booth with a rubber stamp, for the most part. Let's just say that we didn't contribute to the Democrats taking over the Virginia Senate--we didn't even have the opportunity.

One of the best Chinese restaurants in California's Central Valley, On Lock Sam's in Stockton, started during the Gold Rush in 1849 (didn't shut down until a few years ago).

^If you're interested in how many rides you can hit in one night (and not in being freaked out or scared), then go for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at MK--all the major rides are open, and the waits are minimal (with the Haunted Mansion being the exception).

I'd make one of those MK days an Epcot day--of course, it all depends on what you're daughter is interested in.

^It was connected to the Busch brewery in southern California, and it consisted of a boat ride through the gardens, a log flume, and free samples of Bud. Busch removed it a long time ago to expand the brewery.

I think I felt the same way about Carowinds as you did, Justin: one great coaster (Top Gun), one "interesting" coaster (Borg), and a bunch of mediocre (Carolina Cyclone) to lousy (Reptar) coasters. It's an OK park, but I don't think I'd make a special trip just to go there, although Top Gun is more awesome at night. Yay for Euroburg!

That green puddle under the hot dog makes me wonder what he had for lunch that day.

Thanks to write-in votes, Steve Colbert, the guy with the show that parodies right-wing, Fox News types on Comedy Central, actually tied for a seat on Williamsburg’s water and soil conservation district board, along with two William & Mary students. They got three votes each, which tells you a lot about the turnout last Tuesday (all of the candidates in my district were unopposed). They’re going to draw the winner out of a hat, but alas, poor Colbert—he isn’t a ‘Burg resident, so he won’t be part of the big drawing for such a key post. Williamsburg should give him a temporary residence at a local hotel, march him down the Duke of Gloucester Street (the main drag of the colonial section), and let him make a speech in front of the Colonial Capitol with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in attendance--that would totally rule! This should be followed by Q&A at Pierce's Pitt Barbeque.

Williamsburg needs one of these joints now!

I spend Thanksgiving with friends in Cullowhee, NC, each year, which is about two hours or so from Dollywood--but I have been unsuccessful in persuading them to visit the park. I haven't been there since the pre-Tennessee Tornado days and would love to check it out again.

Good work, Robb--from one who's been on the weight-loss/weight-gain yoyo ride for years. Going vegetarian for one meal a day (lunch or dinner) seems to work for me (but I've been off the diet wagon lately).

Yakatori bars rule--and the curry was great (but it doesn't belong in a donut). The Japanese parks had some of the best soft-serve ice cream I've ever had.

^Nah--just farts (but you can feel the breeze). He didn't seem to be working when I was there, though (maybe he's changed his diet or started using Beano).

Looks like your version of Blood Shed is much more elaborate than KD's (which does feature a fartiing horse--when it works).

Just checked out the two videos from the October trip, Robb--excellent work. I'm amazed at how quickly you had them ready and posted.

Y'all back? Why that just tickles me to death! Here's the last set of photos from one excellent trip to the Sunshine State. What a weekend and what a bunch to spend it with! Thanks for reading. I'll teach you to misspell "forest"! "Flight 666 to tower. Our location is near a scary-looking cloud that reminds me of 'Oogie-Boogie' from 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' Request instructions, over." Hmm--maybe running that train-crossing signal wasn't such a hot idea after all. This is kind of fun for the first minute, or so. Bad Bob sez, "We don't cotton to smart-ass Yankee types who make sport 'o' ar creative spellin'. An ax ta the haid will learn ya good!" I don't know which is scarier--Halloween or CG's spelling. Robb is so proud of the flyers he built in high-school metal shop. This doesn't spin either, but it does make a big splash. You don't spin, much less fly through the galaxy on this thing. Most misleading name ever! Please Robb--can me make, like, 20 circuits? Can we? Pretty please? And here was everybody's most-favoritest ride of the whole trip. Hurling yourself in front of the train would be unadvisable, as well. Well, it would be pretty foolish to climb over Triple Hurricane as a short cut to, say, the funnel-cake stand. The size of "WARNING" seems to be in inverse proportion to the danger offered by said attraction.

I'll wrap this up with some pictures from Busch Gardens The Dark Continent/Tampa/Africa/World of Discovery and Cypress Gardens. Some thoughts on CG: 1. This is a pleasant-enough little park, but what the hell was "Bugsville" all about? All I saw was a sign and some banners--well, maybe a few mosquitoes. 2. Starliner is a nice, if not great, coaster, and I'm glad it was rescued from total oblivion and delivered to just relative obscurity. 3. If you want to ride Fiesta Express ALL DAY, just go with Robb--he'll set you up. 4. CG's drop tower is absolutely insane and quite terrifying. 5. Neither the spinning coaster nor the spinning raft ride, in fact, spin (although the latter will get you pretty wet). 6. CG's Vekoma jr. inverted coaster is not as painful as Runaway Reptar at Carowinds. That's about it, except for, once again, thanking Robb and Elissa for setting this whole long weekend up--I had a great time. Y'all come back now, heah? . . . and here they come. There they go . . . Paul and Larry fought and scratched their way to the front of the group. It is fun--not a "classic" like Phoenix, but fun. Yes, it is a piece of history--school groups should come here. And now, the zombie coaster of the undead: Starliner. Bug banner on the left, bug banner on the right--that's called "themeing." So, this is the "Bugsville" I've heard so much about. We didn't stick around for CG's "Phobia" event, but I was intrigued by the promise of "unsuitable" latex props. Yeah, I'd say that Montu is better than Alpengeist--on to CG. O Mighty Montu, protect me from the wrath of the highland cat! Aghh! Angus McNasty has followed me to Japan and Florida! Fortunately, the rumblings from Kumba frightened the deadly, man-eating African squirrel back into its burrow. Awesome ride, too. Quick! Call the keepers! One of BGA's deadly jungle animals has escaped!

Until the executives and marketing staff stop having those re-branding keggers. Another year, another consultant pockets a big check.

^I had walked by that guy and thought, "Either that is one helluva good dummy, or they did a great job with the make up on that guy." He creeped me out without even moving. It was great seeing you again, Eric, and meeting Kevin--glad to hear he had a good time.

^It would be a better excuse for gaining weight.

One Duff for me! One Duff for you! I'll have a Duff! You have one too!

Just don't call Ted late for free beer. Interesting--they've been sort of floating this idea in the videos they play in the queue for Griffon (especially one that touts Busch's conservation efforts). The park also has a "Discovery Channel" type of gift shop. I'd love to see how Water Country fits into this, though: "DISCOVER which of your neighbors should give up on string bikinis or Speedos."

Last batch of MNSSHP @ MK pics. "Good night, everybody! See ya in hell!" Sheesh! We're gonna need a tractor trailer to haul all this candy home. Ubfortunately, the evening was marred somewhat when Goofy was felled by a sniper's bullet. You can actually see the back of his head explode in this grainy Super-8 footage. These guys are always the best part of this parade. This dog was actually following a trail of kibble. "Oh, I can't decide! They both just look so yummy!" . . . or Pirate No. 2? Now it's time for America's favorite fun game: Who's the Gayest Pirate? Is it Pirate No. 1 . . . Everybody plays the fool . . . "Boo to You" will be running through my head until Christmas. Don't try to figure out a plan! You just can't reason with a headless man! Ooh! Ahh! Cinderella's castle has entered the Twilight Zone.

MNOSHP @ MK in 10-07. Prepare for hyperspace insertion! And remember--after insertion, comes sleep. More to come, Who cares? It's all about the candy, baby! Hey, donkey! What's the wait for Space? Want some candy kids? Just look for Goofy's glowing balls! Hmm--maybe it's how the train penetrates a Goofy-shaped hole in the barn. For some reason, Goofy's Barnstormer seems to make Robb leer and strike seductive poses. Oh, yeah--Small World has pretty new lights and stuff, so we rode it. You could lose your mind! When Eric(k) Johnsons are two of a kind! The Haunted Mansion is back to being awesome again--the new sound and show scenes are great. I dressed up as an adult doofus on the prowl for free candy. KidTums decided to come as an adorable baby in a stroller. Larry wore his awesome "bag man" costume. OK, time for that Magical Night when Mickey repledges his soul to Satan--and people can come in costume.

The next day was Epcot's Food and Wine Festival followed by Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. Now, there are no mazes or scareactors at MK (unless you count Elissa sneaking up behind you), but there is lots of candy, great fireworks, a fun parade, and almost no wait for Space Mountain, so it's all good. My thanks to Reed for making sure that we got our own stretch room on the Haunted Mansion (which is once again completely awesome thanks to a substantial refurb and upgrade). First up, Epcot. Kid Tums is happy that she was spared the ravages of Beverly, which has laid waste to an entire generation. MK is next. "Hey, if Larry can take it, I can!" Joe should really know better by now. "Arghh! Drink bad! Hulk smash!" "Oh, I don't think it's so bad. Then again, I'm British and I like eel pie." "Gawd! Something peed in my cup--then died!" And now it's time to savor the smooth taste of Beverly--a fine beverage and an astringent aftershave. Er, the fire's behind you, guys. That'll learn the varmint fer performin' "illegal operations"! I'd like to think that this picture shows Figment being struck by lightning and burning in hellfire. Sheesh! It must be busy if there's a line for this. OK, everybody remember where we parked. Hmm--Larry is looking for Test Track on his map, and TPDave is too polite and British to tell him he's already there. Paul is happy to be anywhere because he's Canabian. And Dave T. is wondering how he can take such awesome pictures without being able to even see his camera. Hey? Where's the damn wand? Whaddaya mean they took it down? That makes the angels cry and hands victory to Satan! I'm goin' to Guest Relations right now!