Movieguy

Well now, it's nice to see that this coaster is apparently now born-again thrilling. Think of it, a coaster originally designed by Dinn corp, and it's actually fun to ride! Amazing! Rocky Mountain needs to work their magic on Mean Streak and Darien Lake's Predator now, Pronto!

^Speaking of brains, here in Ithaca, there's a collection of brains at Cornell University, including that of serial killer Edward Ruloff, which is actually one of the biggest brains ever studied.

Hmmm...well, I'm white, and the last time I was in NYC, I tried getting a cab from the Cornell Club, where the bus dropped us off, and had a hard time getting one. They'd pull over, and when my mom told them we were headed to the Affinia on 34th street, they just flat out refused to give us a ride, even with empty seats. We had to walk down several blocks and keep trying, with a 20 dollar bill in my mom's hand, before someone finally gave us a ride. While we're on the subject of race, nearly all the cabbies who refused to give us rides were either Indian or Middle Eastern, and the one who finally picked us up was Puerto Rican. What that means, I'm not sure, because we have some very nice Indian people living here in Ithaca. In any case, I'd rather just save the money and walk when possible when I'm down there.

One other piece of advice to NYC travelers...don't try to get a cab. It's not gonna happen. Unless you're going to the airport, the vast majority of NYC cabbies will refuse to give you a ride, even though they're not supposed to do that. Even my sister in NYU has only managed to get a willing cabbie about 3 times since she moved there. You're much better off with the subway or the buses.

^ Well...that's a good warning...but it's not like I can afford a better hotel, and plan accordingly this close to my trip...things in that city get booked really quick. I'll just have to keep my eyes open.

Let's not jump to conclusions here...I don't think anyone's even experienced the full effect of this track on the Texas Giant yet...we don't even know if it's going to make any difference on that. But if it does...just think of it...Dinn corp coasters that are actually rideable! I didn't think such a thing could be possible.

I posted a trip to NYC I made back in October on this forum, and I found the same Toys R US. Awesome place! As a matter of fact, I'm going back to NYC later this month, from the 25th to the 28th. I found a great looking La Quinta on 32nd st to stay at, that was only 130 some dollars a night. For NYC, that's impressive. My sister's an NYU student, so I have a good excuse to go down and visit...that, and a while ago, my mom went down there to see "Angels in America", which my sister got her tickets to as a birthday present, so now it's MY turn to take a solo trip to see my sister. I haven't fully decided what I'll do, but there is a pizzeria you guys missed in Manhattan called John's, which I've also heard great things about, and is close to where I'll be staying. However, that pizza tours thing does sound really cool, otherwise. Plus, my sister wants to take me to the Chelsea Market, because she says they have really good Gelato there, among other things. This was one of the best TRs I've seen in a while from you guys, and that's saying a LOT! Keep up the good work, and congratulations to the newlyweds.

It's been a LONG time since I've had a burger from Wendy's, Burger King, Five Guys, McD's, or any of those places, mainly because I want to get in shape, and keep my arteries clear. Plus, after all the food I've been making, burgers just seem tired and boring. However, while I was in NYC visiting my sister, I got to try a Chik Fil A sandwich, which is part of what they serve in her dorm at NYU. I have to say, it was impressive for a chicken sandwich. Not the kind of thing I'd want to eat a lot, but still good. Also, I consider Arby's from time to time. I try to avoid fried food most of the time, but I'll make exceptions for their wonderful curly fries on some occasions. Plus, I definitely enjoy their roast beef sandwiches, which to me are more moist and flavorful than most fast food burgers.

^ I'm so happy that a place in my area got wise to what you're talking about with the growing number of adventure parks...when I heard about them first installing an indoor waterpark a few years back, I thought that it was a wonderful idea to get tourists up here in the non-winter months. Now it looks like they're taking this good idea, and making it even better.

From Syracuse.com: I am soooooo excited. I don't know if alpine coasters really count as credits, but it's great to hear that something like this is coming to my area. Everyone already says that Greek Peak is an awesome place to ski around here, and these new additions will only add to its popularity, I think. So, TPR crew, next time you're going through the Northeast, consider a quick stop here if you're so inclined.

I remember one day last year, I tried to get a shamrock shake at 2 different McDonalds in my town...they had them, mind you, but BOTH of their shake machines were busted! Effing Ithaca McDonalds! This is why I almost never go to them, aside from the fact that I'm trying to get in shape. So, my sister made a special concoction of mint chip ice cream, milk, and green food coloring for St Pattie's day, which was way better than anything I would have gotten at McDonalds.

Funny no one's mentioned Rock n Roller Coaster. I LOVED it when I rode it way back in 2005, but I'm wondering if the lack of votes means its deteriorated in recent years... I've always loved Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Spaceship Earth. I've never been on Everest, and while ToT is great, I don't hold it as close to my heart as the three I've mentioned.

It's funny how this TR came about, not long after I'd seen an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, where Tony went to Saudi Arabia, and, despite alcohol being banned in that country, still had a wonderful time. Now I see Dubai up close, and despite it's differences, it's a far cry from the Middle East we usually see on cable news back here in the states. Certainly, there are differences, and yes, these countries have their share of religious nuts who hate our guts, but it seems there is an even mix of people who have no issues with our country and its obvious influences whatsoever. That's something that's almost never talked about in most places, and only seems to come up on non-news related media, such as this site, and shows like No Reservations. Very interesting. Anyway, I'm loving this TR. Sure, there's not much in the way of coaster action, but just like Japan, there's something about this place, even in photos, that just seems to pull you right in. Kudos to you, Robb and Elissa, for having the guts to explore places where most coaster enthusiasts would never think of even checking out.

So who got the biggest applause on the in memoriam section? Just curious.

^ Of course not. The King's Speech is the kind of film that's tailor-made to win Oscars.

I'm going to be working tonight, so I will miss the Oscars...and I don't mind one bit. I know I call myself the movie guy here, but year after year, I've become more and more disillusioned with the Oscars. They're nothing more than a glorified fashion show, where the Academy awards the best costume drama of the year. I'm sure The King's Speech, the likely winner, is an excellent film, and I'll like it when I see it, but I also loved Inception, which has suddenly become a "cool to hate" movie in the heat of this season. Christopher Nolan is a damned genius, who, like Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock before him, will most likely be unappreciated in his own time by hipsters who don't get him, and by an Academy that is increasingly averse to Sci-Fi, horror, comedy, and all other genres that aren't costume dramas. Screw the system, and screw the Oscars. I watch what I feel like...and what should I care about "who" these people are wearing?

Bill Maher: I'm fairly liberal, but I really get teed off at his attacks on religion, which go way too far. He seems to think you can't be liberal and religious at the same time. Um, I'm becoming an assisting minister at my church, whose pastor has no problem with my political views whatsoever. Michael Moore: Another fellow who makes liberals look bad. I've seen how he cuts his documentaries to fit his agenda, and I find it very upsetting and insulting to the American people. Any supposed documentary maker who does those kinds of cheap tricks should be ashamed of themselves. Glenn Beck: I could go the obvious route here, but I think just like with Michael Moore and Bill Maher, people like Beck and Ann Coulter make conservatives look REALLY bad, especially to the other side. I don't presume to know the minds of most conservatives in life outside of TV, but I think it's safe to say that most of them aren't ranting, paranoid fear-mongers like Beck. It's like I heard in the documentary "Lord, Save Us From Your Followers": "...When you have the right active, and thinking they're losing...and you have the left active, and thinking they're losing, what you're doing is creating an atmosphere of extremism."

Nice to see my home park is still hanging in there in spite of recent difficulties. Hopefully they can further and further distinguish themselves in a park-heavy region of the US, after so many years of stagnation under Six Flags.

Great TR! I love seeing pictures of food and coasters all in one place. I've always wanted to see the Mall of America, and the addition of that new coaster is only feeding my desire!

It wasn't really weird, but last night, I dreamed that I went to Waldameer park with my Grandparents, both of whom are deceased now, along with my sister, and we went on Ravine Flyer II multiple times, enjoying ourselves the whole day. I love those kinds of dreams.

I've never much cared for SLC's, but at the same time, I've been feeling kind of so-so about B&M's inverts lately, even though they are smoother. I know in the past, I've been hard on Vekoma for cloning their coasters like crazy, but now that I think about it, B&M has become just as formulaic...I mean, on their inverts, aside from BTR, what do you see most of the time? Loop, twist, cobra roll, a couple of corkscrews, and you're done. I think that's why I prefer wood coasters over steel ones at the moment. There's more incentive to be creative with the layout on woodies these days.

I'd love a chance to sing this at someone's wedding...it's just so lovely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIt7VSPg8YU

I've already been thinking about what I want to do with my paid vacation time for this summer. I haven't been to Kennywood since 2005, and ever since the addition of Sky Rocket, I've been thinking that now may be the time to go back. Also, I've been thinking about Waldameer Park, which is in Erie, another section of Western PA, and the wonderful job that was done by TPR in covering the park, and the ultra-sexy looking Ravine Flyer II. I think I'd like to drive down, hit Waldameer first, then move on to Kennywood on different days. So, I'd appreciate any tips that anyone can give me for a trip like this. Especially for Waldameer, since I've never been there before. What would be the best time to go there in the summer, and what kind of crowds can I expect for Ravine Flyer II? Plus, how were the crowds in Kennywood affected by Sky Rocket's inaugural season, for those who know? Obviously, I'll need places to stay in both Erie, and in, or around Pittsburgh. Anyone know any good, decently priced motels? I'm not too picky when it comes to those kinds of places. Update: I'm also contemplating a stop at Knoebels on this trip, since both that park and Waldameer are free admission. Thing is, I've driven to Knoebels from Central NY before, but never from Western PA, and I'm wondering how long of a drive that would be...

^ I got those Doritos for New Years! They tasted great. I 'm loving this whole trend of throwback packaging. Brings back so many fond memories of my childhood. Plus, Pepsi Throwback recently came back in my store...and this time, I'm not seeing any "limited time only" markings on it, so that's a good sign, even if they still only plan to release it intermittently. I'll look forward to the times when it's out. I know Robb and Elissa are big time Coke loyalists, but I'm far more diplomatic in my soft drink choices. I find stuff I love about both brands, so once my store re-releases Mexican Coke (Or Kosher Coke for passover), I'll be all set.

It'll be interesting to see how the Texas Giant refurb goes. If it indeed helps, this may just be the way for CP to fix Mean Streak (I know, sounds impossible, but have a LITTLE faith, people. ) I know some people say that wooden coasters shouldn't feel like steel coasters, but...you know you're riding on steel rails anyway, just like Rocky Mountain coasters pointed out at IAAPA.