richards.adam
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Posts posted by richards.adam
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Not to be dismissive, but...so??? There are a lot of educational and conservational aspects at a lot of zoos and aquariums, but it still does not change the fact that these are animals that have been taken out of or never lived in their natural habitats and are largely there to serve the curiosity/entertainment of humans.
What kind of real connection are you able to get with an orca whale in a gigantic arena with thousands of other people? One could also argue that these "scant few regions of the world" where you can see orcas or other whales in the wild are as or more accessible than 3 land locked SeaWorld locations in the USA. Also, if you think what you are seeing at SeaWorld or any zoo/aquarium is seeing "the real thing" than I'm not sure what to say... I have seen many shows on tv or youtube that are far more insightful and educational than anything I've seen at a zoo or aquarium.
Again, by this logic, we may as well shut down all zoos and aquariums worldwide because captivity is evil and inhumane, and just educate future generations with TV and YouTube. Idiocracy here we come!
I'm pretty sure anybody who visits SeaWorld or a zoo and sees an animal understands full well that, while they may be seeing a real giraffe, elephant, killer whale, etc... these captive specimens are not indicative of their counterparts in the wild. That's not the issue. The issue is even though we know the animals in the zoo don't behave like wild animals, for good reason, there's still a lot that can be learned from them, and the next generation can be inspired to care more and want to learn more about them just by seeing them live with their own eyes. TV/web videos are cold, distant, easily dismissed, generally a poor substitute for the real thing. Videos are better than nothing, but there's a HUGE difference between seeing these animals on a screen and seeing them live.
Yes, children can be wowed and inspired in a stadium with thousands of people. It's a real shame that future generations now won't have that experience.
I would suggest, if you are keen on animal welfare, go see them in wild. Whether it's a stone fish, great white or an orca. That will teach kids about how life is. Don't sugar coat it.
Are zoos next? Then nature reserves? Sadly humans have impacted so much on nature that animals do not have their habitats anymore. But I do not believe that capturing them and strolling them in front of kids is the answer but part of the problem.
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Still after reading the above, I believe SeaWorld are doing the right thing. Times have changed and there should be no substitute to seeing animals in the wild.
I visited SeaWorld twice, around a decade ago, and I was amazed by the displays. However we all know this was entertainment, not real wildlife (yes im sure some of my entrance fee helped wildlife projects; please see the hypocrisy of this. Even the fact that I was willing to pay and my current opinion is also counted).
I'm sure some people reading this blog have had the chance to see whales in the wild and this hands down is far more spectacular than a creature swimming in circles, splashing an audience etc. The argument of them living longer just proves that it is not supposed to be. Would you want to live to 200 but stuck within a test tube for that amount of time? I exaggerated but hopefully you see my point.
Some environmentalist groups are utter cretins and attention seeking c*nts, but this should not shadow the fact that there are ways of learning and appreciating nature without removing them, from nature.
I respect the notion of SeaWorld's commitment to then natural world and this goes without saying; I hope this continues.
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Just think of the children!
Oh they were. Carry on.
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This will be an amazing ride. Certainly top 10 at CP!
But does the simplistic layout and transitions leave a little left wanting? I know (i'm British) Oblivion etc is far far less complicated. But I think my favourite rides where when I couldn't quite remember what came next. Maybe now I'm even checking up on this site has made riding roller coasters less fun. Too each their own I guess as I'm sure knowing the exact speed/angle/g-force is what gets the juices flowing for others.
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Haven't been to this park in years. I always felt that the zoo elements were just a much of a draw as the rides.
Does anyone else get far too irate when the wheels, for the hot wheel car in this case, do not line up with the coaster track?
Grrrrrrrr, waggles fist angrily.
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It's called black-pudding. And it's marvellous. At least the majority of us Brits know when to stop eating?!
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Tough one. Might be the first time a coaster enthusiastic has gone on a date.
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Nice question.
For me I prefer flat rides as coasters have never really lived up to all the hype; or very rarely do.
So, those who have ridden both; Oblivion or Shiekra/Griffon? I know there's a huge height difference (and angle difference) but I felt the build up to Oblivion made is the better drop.
The better drop not the better ride. Anyone agree/disagree?
Source: ThemeParkReview
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Why does every thread have to go back to B&Ms and their forces? So tiresome.
Firstly what someone finds forceful IS subjective and it completely depends on what selection of rides they've ridden. Maybe even what other thrill activities they've done; bungee, skydiving, track racing etc.
And secondly, if people want to be scientific then I'm 100% sure I could find a site saying that a B&M post 2004 pulls more Gs than a B&M pre 2004. I would also be very skeptical of sites posting "Gs" as it depends on the weather/which train/which seat; so pretty worthless really.
I'd personally keep B&M force/force less conversations to the thread designed for it not bring it up every other page.
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It reminds me quite a bit of Spinal Tap!
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It reminds me quite a bit of Spinal Tap!
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An interesting question but lame is sadly very subjective. A particular individual a few pages back suggest Nemesis came to mind. I couldn't disagree more.
Regarding the force through the rest of the ride and the height restrictions in place, I would argue that the run down into the corkscrew (that throws up and over like no other invert IMO) is absolutely remarkable - anything but lame.
If you expected the no 1 first drop in the world then your research was sadly lame. The first drop has never disappointed me in anyway unlike many other B&Ms.
Space Mountain Mission 2 gets my vote though; after such a build up and launch it feels like sitting on the outside of a carousel for the first 20 seconds.
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DISCLAMIER* This accident is tragic and the victims and consequences need to be properly resolved. AT screwed up and must pay the consequences. I hate the US suing culture but this is a horrible drop in standards. I feel sorry for AT but they have to deal with it and thus far they have and I respect them for it.
But the new name for the Smiler; The Amputator......
Please go nuts saying how in appropriate that is. I wish Leah the best BTW.
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It's hard to take the themeing away from a ride as many coasters would not be anything like the same if a heavily themed coaster was without its themeing.
Slightly different angle but I read that Disney's Tower of Terror comes in at $150 million. A great ride but seems a little steep to me!
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Pretty simple and also a wishlist.
What would you like to be your last ride? Flats/coasters whatever in a themepark.
Personally Formula Rossa. I doubt I'll get there, but why not go on the fastest coaster in the world!
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Personally I cannot stand graffiti anywhere. On a train, underpass or even in a modern art gallery.
In a theme park queue is it amusing and acceptable?
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Why are all of your so called TR so negative? Hard to know why you bother to be honest.
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My personal experience for the worst toilets in this country goes to Drayton Manor..
Word around the midlands was that Drayton was still on the up?! It's a family park so without basic, clean amenities it's on the
back foot then?
And only Apocalypse would make you need to go that quickly and hence toilets just next door.
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^Exactly, it's al about the duelling experience. I've never been on that ride but I imagine it feels kind of pointless now as it has lost its main purposet. It really is a shame that they don't duel any more.
Both are still fantastic B&M inverts, just not quite as exciting without them dueling.
It would be interesting but impossible to know how they would work completely independently. The inverted (bunny hop???) over the zero-g roll would be pointless without the track below, A poor man's near miss I guess. But the inter twined track adds a lot.
The excitement of near misses seem to be a thing of the past, whether someone losing their grip on a cell phone/camera or an individual purposely throwing a coin, the park can't risk it.
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Hi all,
A few rumours have been going around recently about Disney's plans with their Star Wars franchise.
I've only seen a few quotes from various sites with speculation on their big announcement in 2015. Does anyone have any further info and I guess what are people's thoughts on how this might develop?
I'm personally pretty indifferent to the Star Wars brand, but by no means does that mean that this won't be something I can excited about.
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Anyone who doesnt have the balls to tell a queue jumper to wait their turn, and then post on this topic, should take a long hard look at themselves.
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Great responses and some really interesting thoughts. It seems like Outlaw Run it ticking most people's boxes on this one.
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Good day all,
It seems like a lot of themeparks are now creating coasters that have a relatively short ride experience. Of course there are some exceptions.
But what roller coaster, that lasts for around 45 seconds of less (from the end of the lift hill/start of the launch to reaching the final brakes), is your favourite?
I'll kick things off with Nemesis at AT lasting for around 43 seconds
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I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I find it difficult to get excited about this.
If the coaster is great then fair play, but currently it seems like a bit of a gimmick to me.
Television Advertising: The best & the worst
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted
I've recently seen new adverts on TV and felt a lot to be desired. Maybe I'm getting old, maybe TV/budget restriction have burdened the fun.
Also cross continents we do not get to see other advertisements. So if you have a favourite, or least favourite, then feel freeto comment and add the below:
My personal favourite from the UK from over 20 years ago: