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^ They need a cage that is big enough to jump around in, since they do a lot of that---ours is 30" wide by 30" tall by 18" deep. And be sure to get a good running wheel for exercise (like you see in Chimi's picture). We also have a couple of platforms for him to sit on. Eric

^^ I've seen those giant Coke umbrellas and wondered why they're blue and white...aren't those Pepsi colors? But more shade is definitely welcome---SFMM can use all the shade it can get. I'm not a fan of the ad-wrapped coaster trains, but at least this one for the new Karate Kid movie matches the theme of the ride. I still laugh at the Schwarzkopf hair gel ad on the Arrow-built Viper. By the way, that ad is gone and the red stripes on that train have returned. Eric

^ Sounds like an E-stop on an inverted launch idea has its "hangups." Unfortunately, withe the X car's non-OTSRs, we won't see anything like this in California, that's for sure. Eric

^ As with most animals, you can get one with a good personality, and you can get one with an "eh" or nasty one. We just got lucky. Sometimes you can watch them for awhile before picking one out and its temperament might be obvious. They're generally shy toward anyone they don't know, but will usually warm up to you once they trust you. Honestly, the only "high maintenance" issue we have is keeping him cool. They don't do well much above 75 *F, so it's good to have a fan nearby. Since we live just 15 miles from the ocean and get a sea breeze almost year round, it's not too bad for us. You can also put an ice pack in the cage and/or a marble or granite tile to give them a cool place to lie down (we put the ice pack under the tile so that helps, too). Anyway, I didn't mean to derail this thread, but just wanted to share a few things about an animal that not too many people have had much contact with, and really does make a good pet. Eric

^ Mo, Chimichanga is just two years old and has been a blast. Their care isn't hard as they are very clean animals. If you clean the cage (replace bedding and a general wipe down) a couple of times a week, and give them a dust bath a few times a week, you're done. They do like attention, so it's a good idea to let them out of the cage and allow them to run around a bit---preferably in a place where you can keep an eye on them. While they're out, they will leave "pellets" everywhere as do most rodents, but normal vacuuming and dusting takes care of that. Of course you feed them once a day and provide water, but that's a given with any pet. They make little noise except for the occasional "screech" or "clucking." Since they're nocturnal critters, they'll be pretty laid back during the day, but come early evening, they'll liven up. That's usually when I can get Chimi out of his cage and let him sit on my shoulder or run up and down my arms. Once in awhile he'll jump on my head and sit there. Chinchillas have been known to live into their early twenties with good care, but mostly you can count on having one that lives until their mid-teens. There are books on the care of chinchillas as with most animals. If you do consider getting a chinchilla, get at least one of the books, too. Chinchillas usually run about $100-150 per animal, then add the cost of the cage, toys, accessories, food, etc. They need to chew on wood or pumice because their teeth never stop growing and they need to gnaw them down. Your vet can trim the teeth if need be. The wood and pumice "treats" can be found at good pet stores. Eric

^ "Next" summer being 2011, right? Eric

^ In that picture, it looks like there's an opening for a fuel tank near the back! Disneyland isn't allowing anyone to ride this yet, are they? Eric

^ You think Kristen would like having a rodent in the house? Here's an updated picture of the one we have in our house... Chimichanga resting in his wheel Eric

Funny thing...we got our latest issue of Westways magazine yesterday and there was an ad in it for this event. I can't recall seeing the ad in the last issue (they come out bi-monthly). But regardless, I've already been able to get to the website to sign up if I still in fact can go. Eric

^ As of last Tuesday, there are no on-ride photos for Riddler and Batman, though I think the flash still goes off on Riddler (at least is has in recent times despite not having the on-ride photos in ages). Eric

The name "Sky Mountain" reminds me of the housing tract in Back to the Future, "Hill Valley." Eric

With this new track being more or less steel I-beams, I've wondered how much noise the trains will make as they wind their way around. Eric

I never knew that Bradley & Kaye had a version of the Barnstormer. Are there any pictures of one out there anywhere? I'd be interested in seeing that. As always, thanks for sharing the stuff in your attic. Eric

Not too often...we're pretty sharp around here. Now that many parks charge $10-15 for parking, do you think that $20/day is coming to a park near you soon?

SFMM is cranking out those rewards...in this morning's e-mail was my free parking pass. It expires June 12. Since I already get free parking with my Xtreme pass, I can upgrade to premium parking for free with this voucher, but I don't mind parking in the regular lot. Most likely I'll just give it to someone and save them $15. Eric

^ Thanks for the help. I did register and ended up going around the website a few times, but finally found where to purchase the tickets. The thing is, now I don't know if I can attend---or should attend. The next day (May 22), I have to take Diana to LAX for her trip to Indianapolis. I'm not sure if I want to be at SFMM till midnight, drive home, and try to get up early and get her to the airport. I'll pretty much play it by ear. Eric

I have never been to Lakemont Park, but should I ever go there, I'd pay to ride Leap the Dips. It's a historic, classic ride. If the park can collect a few bucks to keep it operating, why not? Eric

Today I made an unexpected run out to SFMM (in fact, I'm posting this from the Cyber Cafe before I head out). The park wasn't very crowded; waits were no longer than ten minutes for anything. I rode every coaster except Ninja (it's still not open) and Percy's Railway (I'm still too big). A few notes: X: Two-train operation; Train 3 had audio, Train 1 didn't. No fire on either of my two rides. Rode each train once within 15 minutes. Terminator: One-train operation (Train 2), no audio at all. Fire was on. I rode twice in a row (once in Row 10, once in Row 11). Deja Vu: Little or no wait---unusual for this ride, so I took advantage and rode in the very last row (Row 16) for the first time. Mr. Six still isn't even close to Dancing---all ride parts are still piled next to Terminator, and the site itself is still...dirt. So there ya go. Eric EDIT: Don't even ask why this came to mind at almost 1:30am...but I forgot to mention that I also didn't ride Canyon Blaster. In fact, I didn't even walk past that area of the park for some reason. Since I already have the Canyon Blaster credit, I never even think to ride it. So, for the day, I rode 13 different coasters, two of which I rode twice.

They have Chinese food in a Mexican themed area, and pizza in an Asian themed area. That's interesting enough for me. In the Progressive ads all over the Internet, do you think "Flo" is hot?

^ The problem is that if SFMM raises prices too high, then families won't go there either. And you'll still get the rowdy teenagers partly because many parents out in the Santa Clarita Valley use a SFMM season pass as a babysitter. When all is said and done, raising your kids to respect others and the property of others is the job of parents---many of whom, unfortunately, don't teach that or don't care when their kids do pick up the disrespectful attitude. Eric

I've said this before, but I think the Xtreme Pass is underpriced for what you get. The price of It could go up by $25 or even $50 without any extras and still be a great value. Just my opinion, of course. Eric

To austinlee: You didn't ride Pony Express? But you got so many rides on GhostRider...it must be running fairly well then because normally it can beat you up pretty well. To nitrofan: That ride operator sounds like a real snot. Whenever I ride a wooden coaster with a seat belt, I always put them up over the sides when I get out so that the next person to ride won't sit on them and can get to them easily. Every ride op who sees me doing that says "thanks." Eric

Interesting...my niece is there today with some friends and family. As for me, I'll try and get down there this summer. Eric

I was the only one in the family I grew up in (seven people total) that never liked or drank coffee. And now, I'm the only one in our household (of three) who doesn't drink it. Strangely, though, the blend of coffee and chocolate is actually pretty good, and my favorite flavor of the M&Ms Premium candies is the Mocha one. Now, guess which one they don't make anymore? Eric

"...the company’s instructions are unclear about whether the ride’s launching cables should be inspected every month, or every six months." While it is up to Knott's to inspect/replace the cables on this ride, it would be interesting to see how Intamin worded the maintenance procedure to cause such confusion. All in all, I'm glad that it looks like Xcelerator will be back up and running. Eric