cfc

won handily after eating an entire truckload of Rosarita Refrieds and . . .

^Got mine at Suncoast Video--they had a bunch of other Christmas Story stuff, too.

Yep. The first time I hooked this sucker up a few years ago, it made a terrible racket and jammed up. But I was able to fix it, and it's worked perfectly ever since.

^Yes! The Christmas-tree threads will soon rule the boards! Heh, heh, heh! Hmm--I did a search and missed this older thread. Oh, well--if Robb wants to put them together, OK by me. Keep your chestnuts warm, folks.

Mutters the bellboy: "Let's see--three men, acting like idiots for a picture. Must be TPR."

Happy Holidays, fellow TPR-ites! How many of you have put up your tree? I just finished decorating mine tonight, which puts me at least a week behind here in the Christmas-happy South, with its miles of Christmas stores, drive-through twinkle-light orgies, and folks who have their entire houses decorated the day after Thanksgiving. So, I thought I'd share a few photos of this year's tree (which looks a lot like last year's, actually). Well, ho-freakin'-ho, and off we go . . . Chuck "His chestnuts roasting on an open fire" Campbell Yep--there's a tiny little "credit" in this ornament. We have one chance to escape, Captain--we must set phasers on an 'extreme tuna' setting." This hummingbird belonged to my late Grandmother Campbell. From the expression on Marvin Martian's face, the bird just cut a big one. An "official" (well, only) Busch Gardens Williamsburg ornament, actually bought at BGW itself! Let the bidding begin now . . . Betty presents me with a "major award." The tree entire.

An enjoyable update, as usual, Robb, but I weep for Sleeping Beauty's Castle having to endure all the bashing it receives here and elsewhere. Sure, it's small, but cute. Easy to chomp down and swallow (but probably rather tough to digest). I wonder what Prince Phillip thought when he and Sleeping Beauty moved in. "Hey, I hacked through a wall of thorns, killed a freakin' dragon, and endured those three blabbermouth fairies for this . . . medieval garden shed?" Aghh! Now I'm bashing the castle!

which led to the ride being reconfigured to match the incredibly boring game play of the Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, back at DCA . . .

tasted like something that had been regurgitated by . . .

Not the same coaster... My mistake, but they do share that Scooby Doo theme (and the low capacity). Wonder what this bodes for Hanna Barbera characters in general at PKI and PKD?

Well, I'm indifferent to this news myself, but all you Six fans take heart. Remember when Jack-in-the-Box blew up the Clown? He came back with a vengeance. Nobody screws with the Clown now! Heck, even the Burger King is back (as one freaky-looking rubberhead). Now, if they would only bring back the Frito Bandito . . . "I want Fritos Corn Chips, "I love them, I do! "I want Fritos Corn Chips, "I'll get them from you!" Chuck "Warped by 1960s TV" Campbell

"Scoob! I, like, totally lost the Ghoster Coaster" "Way to go, Wraggie--jerk!" I wonder how this bodes for PKD's version. Not that it would be a great loss.

Here's a few samples from the albums of James McMurtry (the son of Larry McMurtry, the author of Lonesome Dove and lots of other excellent books).

Yes, the "Exceletator"--I see a loading station that looks like an enormous microwave oven, and trains in the shape of Russett, Yukon Gold, and New Red potatoes. You're shot though an enormous tunnel of sour cream, then up a towering top hat made entirely of bacon. You then plunge into a pool of melted butter. At the end, you plow through a pile of chives. Spud boys unite!

^The husband of one of my co-workers is an editor at the Daily Press, and she told him about the over-the-urinal signs. So, he sent a reporter over to the park to talk to guests about the signs and the extra-patriotic theming (most seemed OK with it, but a few were annoyed). They quoted my TPI posting, but I did miss being interviewed (I was out of town). Chuck "Seizing every bit of tawdry glory" Campbell

shepp, I agree--good for Busch giving free admissions to military families, but boo for the "bad show." I had no problem with the military music coming from the military-family welcome center at the park's entrance, but playing it on the bridge between Oktoberfest and San Marco was a bit much. I posted something about this on Theme Park Insider earlier this year, and it generated a fairly interesting discussion (heck, I even got my name in the Newport News Daily Press because of that post). Chuck

So, it's a dare, is it? Well, I was goofy enough to take such a picture. (It's not a very good shot, though.) Next time Busch, put the sports page up there, like they do at Chili's.

I rode this back in high school and thought it was great. Used to freak me out that the train just barely made it through the loop.

Northern Neck Ginger Ale--it's a Virginia brand, which even though it isn't quite as good as it used to be before Coke bought the company out, it still beats the crap out of Canada Dry or any of the other national brands. (Vernor's is good, too.)

^Shot right past me, too.

Well, might as well post the latest picture of me. I call it, "A Geek's Smoky Mountain Adventure." Chuck "No threat to Grizzly Adams" Campbell. Just moments before the bear tore him limb from limb.

Tragically, the world's entire allotment of department-store Santas was lost today when this rollercoaster derailed just moments after this picture was taken.

^^Now that is a shirt that begs to be purchased.

I wonder it this concoction is Atkins Diet approved? It isn't surprising that Americans embraced Atkins--can't beat a diet that promises unlimited bacon! Chuck "I'm not a vegetarian, but I have cut back on red meat" Campbell

^Then only your "Male Nurse Action Figure," with "super CPR action," could save you!