Meteornotes

After visiting it for the first time in about ten years this year, I'm going to have to say Disneyland. I know it's the original and all, but the FL version kicks the crap out of it. It seems like it has seen better days. Indy (which I remember loving) was in HORRIBLE shape and in dire need of a rehab. The whole park seems just cramped and crowded and is just not as good an experience as the FL version. And don't even get me started on DCA, the park that makes Canada's Wonderland or PKI look sort of fun. I'm in no hurry to return. dt

Great pictures. I totally agree with your assessment of Avalanche. That ride is insane fun. I need to get back out there again for some more rides. dt

Awesome photos and video. Have fun! dt

I normally don't like park shows, but this is the major exception. I hope they don't screw it up, as Illuminations is pretty much perfect as it is. dt

Not much. I doubt we're going to see "Cooking With Joe: The Salad Edition" any time soon, though. dt

What, no fires or calls to the health department? I'm so disappointed. Ah well, hopefully disaster lurks in part two! That actually looked pretty good. If I ate that, I'd be in the ER, though. dt

Excellent TR. Nice photos and amusing captions. I really need to visit this park some day. dt

IB is a great park. I can't wait to visit it again this year. dt

The Golden Ticket awards reflect the reality of the amusement industry about as well as The Grammy awards reflect the reality of the music industry. dt

I wonder what happened to S:ROS? I guess maybe they don't take care of it or something. And Predator was horrible years ago, so I can only imagine what it's like now, re-tracking or not. Good pictures. You rule, Nicole. dt

It will likely be warm in PA in July. You certainly won't freeze. And depending on where you're staying, bugs are a good possibility. You just need a normal extension cord to plug into any outlet I've seen in a campground. Most places I've camped did not have electricity, so someone else should probably confirm this. I know nothing about the campground near DWL. Sorry. Camping rules. Have fun! dt

Thanks for posting. I have not been to HW in a few years, but I remember seeing similar things to what you describe. You're right, no park should be excused from the "running one train" rant, no matter what park it is. And SFKK was an OK park the last time I was there. Chang and Thunder Run were fun, and T2 was, um, not good. You never forget your first SLC... dt

^Stuff may have been closed, but I was there, dammit! That should count for something. dt

Yeah, that was shot in 2005 when they and some others were in Europe. It was about 110 degrees that day, probably the hottest day I've ever spent at a park. dt

^Sadly, you are likely far smarter than many of the students you're attending class with. Most of them probably need this information, and barely have any concept of how to read or write. It's sad really, but a lot of people go to college just because they're "supposed" to, not because they want to be there and learn something like you do. I'm with you on the textbook thing. It is one of the great scams of the modern era. I know some people can get better deals by going through Amazon or Ebay, but I know that isn't always possible for every book. dt

I think at Knoebel's you're better off just trying different small things, like pierogies, tri-taters, chicken fries and so on. The round food area near the haunted house sells a variety of items, as does the food area more towards the parking lot. And don't forget about a slice of pizza from Caesari's. Honestly, the only place I don't particularly like at Knoebel's is the food area right by the Phoenix. Whatever they consider a crab cake there is, um, not. Have fun! dt

^Rob and Amber getting booted early was a highlight. Enough of them already. What it should have been was the ten previous winning teams, competing for $3 million, with exceptionally difficult challenges and clues. Why they had to bring back losing teams from the previous season was beyond me. dt

Due to federal regulations, it is now illegal to put someone's name on any package. Instead, they are required to use a random numeric sequence from your DNA strand. This should allow the USPS to properly deliver the package, unless of course an evil robot clone is lurking nearby, ready to pounce on any delivery. That could be trouble. dt

Balance Of Power - Miracles And Dreams dt

^Honestly, I think it depends on the time of year that you visit. I have been to the park many, many times (though I haven't been there in the last couple of years) and have had really good and really bad experiences. Typically, the later in the year you go, the worse it gets, especially on weekends. I've seen some really horrible stuff from both the staff and the crowd on summer weekends. At the beginning of the season, it's been my experience that the people working there might be slow, but they're usually polite. Summer weekdays are also not too bad (I used to stop in after work occasionally, since I practically drove past the place to get home). Overall, though, it's probably a much worse situation on a weekend. The DC area heat and crowds take their toll on the workers, I suppose. It is a good park, with a pretty good collection of rides, and one of the best wooden coasters in the SF chain (the totally underrated Wild One). I guess like any other corporate chain park, it's going to have its good and bad days, especially in the peak summer season. dt

Dream Theater - Lie dt

Pretty dull season of AR if you ask me. The final challenge was exceptionally lame. At least those uber-annoying beauty queens didn't win. dt

Pagan's Mind - Celestial Calling dt

Yosemite is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. Thanks for posting the pics. dt

Freak Kitchen - The Healthy Man dt