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I just filled up gas. My CR-V got 28 miles per gallon overall on the last tank, thanks to a lot of freeway driving. Eric

Actually, I do. Reminds me of my childhood when all they had was black, white, and gray! Have you eaten a taco this week?

Just as I was wondering if the Coast Starlight had passed my house, sure enough, I heard the horn and it came barreling down the track toward L.A. Late, of course. But, it's Amtrak... Eric

Pfft...all you September grooms. Oh, wait...my 21st anniversary was September 27... But happy belated anniversaries for you guys! Eric

"SFMM Jumbo Map" (Ryan King) I have one of these from opening year (1971). But it's mine! Eric

"...they would take up all the space for future coasters!!!" (sfmmrules!) Something tells me that the 49ers don't care about roller coasters. But I could be wrong... It's always tough to lose an amusement park, even a mediocre one like Great America. I haven't been in eight years and don't feel like I've missed anything, but to see it lose out to a sports franchise just makes me mad. Needless to say, sports is not anywhere near high on my list. Eric

This was tried waaayyy back in the early 20th century. It works fine until the cars have people in them. The varying weight changes the trajectory of the car and it could get to the other side of the gap. Or...well, use your imagination. No "leap the gap" coaster. Anytime soon. Or ever. Eric

"I hope they will read this." (Soren) Well, I hope they do, too, but... Eric

^ Very true. If wood doesn't move, it breaks. Especially here in earthquake country. Eric

A bit off-topic, but I've wondered if Montezooma's Revenge is the only Schwarzkopf shuttle still operating in its original location? Oh, and about the 49ers, have they considered building a parking structure? That would save a ton of space. Eric

I found out that my Canon A70 has a known defect (which is why it failed) and Canon will fix it for free! Eric

^ Can make sausage dip. < Can make sausage disappear. V Can make sausage cry!

^ I'm not so sure I want to know... Eric

I've never been to Knoebels, but this ride will get me there. Eric

That place sure makes many of our zoos out here in California pale by comparison. We have a train ride at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the grounds are nice, but it isn't that big. And where else can you ride a panda on a carousel? Nice report, you guys! Eric

^ If Six Flags blows up their wooden coasters, a lot of chiropractors will be out of business! Eric

I got a new computer back in July, built by our local computer shop. They installed Windows XP Pro rather than Vista. If computer pros choose that over Vista, that ought to tell you something... Eric

"Pretty sad when small independent parks like SCBB can take better care and pride in maintaining their woodies than the big corp. themers." (speedracer) Remember that the "big corp. themers"---like most corporations---are more concerned with saving money and earning big bucks for stockholders. Smaller parks are in it for entertaining their guests and usually show it by maintaining their rides. They see maintenance as a cost of doing business, which it is. This is one way that a bigger corporation can learn lessons from smaller ones. Eric

Never tried or even heard of them, but they sound good. That's a yes. Have you been on a TPR trip?

It was so nice to see both of you and Kristen yesterday. She was sooo good and is growing fast! And I'm jealous of her having more state and country credits than I do. Eric

"Sensationalism Sells!" Film at 11... Eric

^ Teenager. < Middle ager. V Stone ager!

I saw Robb, Elissa, and Kristen today. Next, I saw some people get married. Then, I ate some good food and a small piece of cake and went home. Eric

I just ate some popcorn and a few pieces of dark chocolate. Fiber and flavonoids. Good stuff. Tomorrow I'm going to a wedding, and maybe to Disneyland afterward. Then I have Monday off. It just doesn't get any better. Eric

Can anyone tell me how Roar! at SFDK is holding up? I last rode it in 1999, which was its first season, and it was running very well. (It was the first ride with Millennium Flyer trains.) Eric