Movieguy

I never quite understood the concept of a pool at a ballpark. If you're gonna put water in a ballpark, do it the way Kansas City does, I say.

So, the Bucs make up for giving up a 2-1 lead last night, by crushing the Padres 10-1 this afternoon, and salvage their bad homestand a little. They were pissed, and came out swinging today, from what I can tell. Hopefully this is the kick in the pants they need. I just ordered a Pirates cap from Amazon today, and I now feel like I can wear it with pride, living in an area full of Yankee fans.

Mexico's San Angel Inn was pretty damn good too. Great ambiance as well. Canada's Le Cellier was a good experience as well. I had lunch there on my final day at Epcot.

Well, the Bucs continue to have trouble against mediocre teams for some odd reason, losing to San Diego last night, and tonight's not looking good so far either. I really hope they can snap out of this, because the Steelers stink right now. I mean, when you can't even beat the Bungles, you know you're in trouble.

^ Good point. They really dropped the ball by not adding Switzerland and the Matterhorn.

God, I forgot I even created this thread. I have to say, having visited EPCOT a couple of months after making this post, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the changes. I didn't bother with Journey, but I really liked both MS and TT, and I liked seeing the videos of the rehab from the latter. My point of view has changed in the years since then, and I realize now that nostalgia can only take you so far when it comes to parks. I think you need to change with the times, and do what you can to keep a place like this relevant to the people of today, and if that involves adding a few thrill rides, then so be it. That being said, I still think futureworld could use a little TLC, from what I've seen and heard, and hopefully the new TT will be the starting point.

OK, now I can finally exhale. The Bucs have gotten win number 82, and sealed their first season above .500 in 20 years, by shutting out the rangers 1-0. Any other wins from here on out will just be the icing on the cake for me. I hope the players feel some weight off their shoulders right now too, because that might lead to a nice little surge before the final regular season game.

Why am I getting this horrible feeling that the Pirates are never going to see win 82 this season? Could it be from the way the Cardinals thrashed us this past weekend? I hope they start playing like they did earlier this season against the struggling Rangers.

Well now, what a difference a few good games makes. I still don't care whether or not the Pirates take the division. I'm just glad they're finally getting that monkey off their back.

Well, the losing streak continues, and once again, the Bucs find themselves unable to beat the Brewers, even in their home park. I don't know what it is, but part of last season's collapse also started with them not being able to beat these guys for some extraordinary reason. Why the hell can't these guys beat the Brewers? Should I really be surprised that they're sucking so bad at this point? I guess not, but I get so sick of being teased with a winning season sometimes.

^ Yeah, but Pirates fans have been waiting 20 years now for them to finish above .500 . A lot of us are left wondering if it's ever going to happen, after two straight second half collapses.

Aaaaaand now the Pirates have dropped 2 straight to the Giants. *sigh* C'mon guys. I don't care if you make the playoffs or not, just...please, finish above .500 this year? Just this once? Please?

well, the Bucs' road trip is going better than expected. Nearly swept San Diego, and have now beaten the Giants in 2 straight. Let's hope this a sign of things to come.

Here are the pictures from my latest trip to Knoebels, for those who are interested. https://www.facebook.com/doug.booth.56/media_set?set=a.10201940099804074.1073741827.1231957794&type=3

A-rod? Don't you mean A-Roid?

I took my mom there again recently. We both love Knoebels so much. The rides, the food, the games, everything. Both of the coasters are amazing. I love the unique layout of the twister, but I also love the ride the Phoenix gives you, especially in the back. It's held up well since 85, and thrives in an era where riders demand airtime, airtime, airtime! I finally went on the Haunted Mansion, along with my mom. I'm very easy to scare in the dark, so we were both screaming like little kids on that one. But i loved it anyway. The Log flume there is pretty damn good too. Certainly the cleanest water I've ever seen on that type of ride, on top of everything else. I bypassed the skloosh, since I didn't want to soak one of my favorite shirts that day. Everyone mentions the Pizza there, which is indeed very tasty, but I was more impressed by the soft serve there. Lots of flavor options, and very tasty and creamy. Again, I had a great time, and we may even return for one of the Hallo-fun weekends this year.

I finally worked up the courage to ride the Knoebels haunted mansion a couple of weeks ago. I'd seen videos of the ride, but even then, it doesn't prepare you for the experience. It scared the living hell out of me. I almost went hoarse from screaming.

^ That'd be a nice scenario. Maybe in the next few years, the Pirates and the Reds (whom I have nothing against at all) will build up a nice little rivalry that even the media can look at when they're not focused on the Yankees and Red Sox.

All right! 8-1 Pirates over Padres. First time they've won two in a row for a while. Yeah, the Reds might end up winning the division. The NL Central is very competitive. But, if the Bucs can hang on and at least finish with a respectable record, I'll be very happy, and the pressure will be off the team for next season.

That's the thing about the Pirates. Earlier this year, they were just going out, playing, having a good time, and winning as well. Now Hurdle is stepping in and trying to manufacture wins, and that's what makes me nervous, because that's what led to the last two collapses. Hurdle needs to take the pressure off these guys, especially the bullpen, and 'Cutch, if he wants to have any hopes of getting the Bucs into the playoffs.

Ok, Bucs shut out the Padres. That's more like it. Hopefully they can build on it from here.

^ Well, having endured this futility from the Pirates for so long, I'm almost certain they'll find some way to screw it all up. I wouldn't be surprised if they lose even more games than the end of last season, the way they're playing now. They've gone from taking down the mighty reds and Cards, to not being able to beat teams like the Rockies and the Diamondbacks. If Clint Hurdle isn't finally thrown out after this season, I will scream.

*Sigh*...Pirates lose again to Arizona, and will most likely get swept in San Diego like they did in Colorado. Pirates fans...the collapse is upon us.

I don't have exact figures, but I hear the best quality ones are incredibly expensive.

You might think, being a Pens fan, that I'd be disappointed with how they did in the playoffs this year. I'm really not concerned with them winning another cup though. I'm just happy to see them winning again, after enduring that long funk they were in after Mario retired from playing.