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I didn't do much riding in 2008, but I'd have to say my "moment" was getting on X2 at its media day. After having my body trashed enough times by the original X, I'd pretty much sworn it off, but decided to give X2 a chance. It is more or less the same, but the new trains do make a difference. Also, I've learned how to ride it to make the ride tolerable (the padding on the lower part of the car helps a bit). The special effects are cool, though I don't know what happened to the fog at the bottom of the raven turns. I even took a ride on it---willingly---on New Year's Day, two days ago. Now I can say that I actually like it and will ride again. Eric

^ The first-generation B&M standup trains did resemble the Intamin ones, though, so I can understand the confusion. I believe that B&M only built three standups with those trains (Iron Wolf, SFGAm, 1990; Vortex, PGA, 1991; and Vortex, Carowinds, 1992). After a few years off, they built the last four (Mantis, Chang, Riddler's Revenge, and Georgia Scorcher) with the newer design. Eric

I don't go to Costco that often anymore, but I do make sure to go during Thanksgiving-to-Christmas time when they carry the Chocolates of the World. That's one treat for myself. Normally I get one jar, but this year I sprung for two. My wife worked for Costco for about a year back in the mid-'90s and learned a lot about the company. They only sell items that they've tested for quality. There ain't no junk at Costco! Eric

^ The tower was an ideal place to put the countdown timer and it must have looked great not only from the ground, but even from the freeway nearby. I think SFMM has some great years coming. Remember, too, that 2011 is its 40th year, so I imagine something BIG will come then. Eric

^ Some insurance may cover getting it; I haven't looked into what mine covers. Right now I couldn't even tell you what one costs if you had to pay for it out-of-pocket. Eric

"...he didn't beat me to photographing a gallon of mayonnaise!" (jds03) You're right. I can't recall seeing mayonnaise photgraphed any time before this! Eric

Maybe Led Zeppelin is headed to SFMM as its 2010 coaster! Of course, none of these rides will be worth anything once they're turned into liquid---isn't that what they're doing? Eric

^ To be honest, I like it, and it's about the only thing keeping me in ACE besides the occasional media event. But there are better publications out there. I've heard that the European Coaster Club (ECC) has a great magazine. I'll have to check that out. Eric

Animal Kingdom is a very nice park. Expedition Everest was fun, but a bit of a letdown for me. I guess I was expecting more. That bright green tree is a secret Sears paint test site. At least that's what I heard... But, yeah, Primeval Whirl was...prime evil. I'm not crazy about that kind of spinning coaster. And I didn't ride Dinosaur because I knew it was similar to Indiana Jones, and I'm not really big on that, either. The safari and all of the walkthroughs were well done, in my opinion. I would like to go back there again. All in all, great series of pictures, Natalie! Thanks for sharing. Eric

^ There are slight dfferences in how each one is laid out. Even here in Ventura County, one Costco has its food inside while another has its food outside. That means that non-members can park and enjoy the hot dogs and pizza because they don't have to go inside past someone checking for the membership card they don't have. Some Costcos offer regional merchandise as well. But y'know, a warehouse is a warehouse is a warehouse... Eric

Interesting Photo TR. But believe it or not, this isn't the first Costco TR. Someone else did one back in the beginning of this forum (2005 or so). And their report was from one of the Costco stores right here in our county. On another note, you must be east of the Rockies because your Costco sells Hellmann's Mayonnaise. Out here we have Best Foods. Same exact stuff, just a different name. But that doesn't matter because I don't eat mayonnaise no matter what it's called. Eric

^ That's right up there with people who fill their drinks at a self-serve soda bar and then stand in front of it drinking their soda. Meanwhile, there's a bunch of people waiting to get up there to fill their own cups. Yeah, manners and consideration for others are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Eric

Yeah, time moves a bit slower here in SoCal! But at least I haven't written "2008" on any of my checks yet. I usually do that at some point. Also, at the bottom left of this picture, notice the yellow and orange Freefall on the brochure. It looks like Marriott used SFMM's ride for their picture, being that there aren't any hills that close to GA. And it has the spread legs mentioned by Shane. Eric

^ Yeah, I remember hearing about that incident. I don't know of any anti-rollback devices on the Freefall elevators---at least nothing audible to anyone waiting in line. Honestly, I didn't care much for the ride, which is why I only rode it when I was with people who had not ridden it. A polite host wouldn't say, "You go ride that while I wait here." A little trivia (which I'm sure I've shared here before): At one point, California's two Freefall rides were colored like Gumby and Pokey. SFMM's was "Gumby green" while GA's Edge was "Pokey red." Eric

"I still inject insuline instead of a pump" (AlmereStars) I still do as well, depsite having friends encourage me to look into getting the pump. One of the guys I work with has a four-year-old son who is Type 1 and was fitted with a pump back in November. My buddy says it's great for the boy because that particular model has a remote control that allows the parents to monitor and control the insulin without having to make actual contact with the unit. That works out great for family gatherings, parties, etc. where having to take the kid off to the side or into a bathroom might be inconvenient. Honestly, while it may be more convenient even for me, doing an injection of insulin before each meal (quick-acting Humalog) and before going to bed (long-lasting Lantus) has worked out OK for me. Maybe as the disease progresses or until pancreas transplants become more common, but till then, I'll continue the way I've been. Eric

^ And sesame seed buns... Eric

If I'm correct, Six Flags is the only major chain that offers season passes rather than annual passes. Eric

^ I believe all first-generation Intamin Freefalls were identical---at least to my knowledge they only made one version. But I believe it depends on how they were marketed locally. SFMM advertised theirs as a "ten-story" drop, where Marriott's Great America (just up the state) advertised The Edge as being "131-feet tall," which was the actual height of the tower. For a long time, I too thought that theirs was taller than SFMM's, but it wasn't the case. Those two are the only ones I've ridden. As I recall, The Edge didn't seem to last very long. SFMM's lasted from 1982 till it was torn down earlier this year. Eric

^ Last I heard, it's being painted, so it's closed till that's finished. Eric

^ Don't count on that---they keep on breeding new "old" members and the cycle will continue. That's why I just get the publications and attend local media events when I can, and stay the heck out of the governing end of it. Eric

I know it may be out of your budget, but for me, the Xtreme Pass is so worth it. Yeah, it's $125 vs. $60, but it pays for itself after like two visits with the free parking and food discounts. Personally, I get a kick out of how many people will park down at Wendy's or along there and walk all that way---UPHILL, yet---just to save a few bucks. If you visit the park more than twice a year, go for Xtreme. Eric

^^ I actually did go today to break in my 2009 Xtreme Pass, but was only there from about 2:30 till 5:30. The park wasn't crowded, and I got six rides in: Revolution (two-train wait, one-train op) Ninja (three-train wait, one-train op) Gold Rusher (one-train wait; two-train op) Riddler's Revenge (went as single rider, no wait; two-train op) Goliath (went as single rider, no wait; two-train op) X2 (45-minute wait; two-train op) Most of the New Year's Eve stuff was still in place, but obviously not be used for anything. Sky Tower was closed as expected. I didn't go over by Deja Vu/Terminator, so no report on what's going on there. But we already know that DV is being painted and Terminator is under construction, so there wasn't any reason for me to go back there. Weather was nice, park was clean, had a good day. Hope this report was helpful. Eric

"The nearest one is at 'Magic Mountain,' in Big Bear City, CA." (WFChris) I've heard of that, but didn't realize exactly what it was. For some reason I thought it was just...a slide. But I'll look into going up there at some point. It's only a couple hours away. Eric

[solemn organ music plays] Dear Title Fairy...it's been a long time since anything was done with my title, and I felt that a mere word added to it would be more fitting to the person I am. Everyone already knows that I am older than the hills, but by changing my title to "TPR's Diabetic Senior Citizen" would also let your readers know that despite that crusty exterior, I can be a real sweetheart. Thank you for taking care of that for me, of course, provided you get a minute in your busy schedule. Eric EDIT!!! The Title Fairy moves in mysterious, yet FAST ways. Thank you for fulfilling my request so quickly!

It's hard to believe that I rode X2 only two hours ago. Time flies when you're having fun! Eric