Friday, April 29, 2005
Off to the park to ride the new roller coaster!
As long as it's not storming or the ride is having real technical problems, I'm off to Kings Island shortly to get my premiere ride on The Italia Job: Stunt Track, which should take place in about an hour or so.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Bengals select DL David Pollack from Georgia.
Pollack makes defense multiple
I think he's someone I've followed since I saw an interesting article on him in the ESPN magazine. Has some fun habits on and off the field, that have gotten him some accolades when with the Bulldogs.
Pollack was selected 17th by Cincinnati in the first round of the NFL draft today. He'll be some strength needed for defense, after the efforts over past few years on offense like QB Carson Palmer out of USC.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Review: Kings Island's opening weekends, 2005
Around this Cincinnati area, one sure sign of spring is the opening of Kings Island on the weekends in April. And that event has now taken place, so let's review some of the changes and new things at the park this season.
Most notable new thing is the Italian Job: Stunt Track, which was looking good as trains were being launched through the circuit. I'll discuss IJ:ST later on.
The next most notable is the re-paint of the Eiffel Tower now underway. While it is something that you would expect done before the park opens for the season, I'm happy that they're finally repainting the fading light blue, to a darker tone of green-blue, similar to the Kings Dominion Eiffel Tower, repainted a few years ago.
There are new food places throughout the park this year. Hand-dipped ice cream is now served in a walk-in Graeter's parlor, at an International Street corner near the western entrance to Hanna-Barbera Land. This Graeter's looks much like one of their outside locations, and also serves sundaes. There is also a small seating area inside Graeter's. The former hand-dipped ice cream stand now serves slushies and mini-donuts, great for those who are hungry in the morning yet want a mini-breakfast.
Happy Days Diner has replaced Preston T. Tucker's Roadside Grille. Themed to the classic TV show, Happy Days serves food you'd expect to see at a 50's style diner: burgers, waffle fries, hot dogs, and shakes.
Three locations are not yet open and complete. On International Street, the Mandarin Chinese restaurant has closed and will be replaced with a Mexican restaurant. Also, La Patisserie Francaise, which served good pastries and cookies for years, has closed to make way for a Starbucks cafe. Around the corner, Magilla Gorilla's Grill will become the park's own Chick-fil-A stand, serving those great chicken sandwiches and fries. Word has it that this location, like other C-f-A's, will be closed on Sundays.
I think one of the best new perks is the special season pass sport-quarts. They are available for $4.99 (but the first 1,000 passholders on SP weekend got theirs free), and refills are only $0.99! (plus tax) This is possibly one of the best bargains, since large drinks regularly go for $3 or more.
If you or someone you know are of shorter height, you may be affected by new height restrictions. For example, The Racer has gone from 44" to 48", in sync with the other two large wood coasters. Water rides, like Congo Falls, Wild Thornberrys and White Water Canyon, now have MINIMUM heights that children need to be, even if accompanied. Same change goes for the Beastie.
The first season pass weekend had a greeter in place at the Racer's, but I didn't see one the second weekend. This is a service that the park needs to have in place at more rides, because it kills the capacity when ride attendants have to check height every other train, often needing to use manual release (very time-consuming). BUT just about every cycle was racing, as the ride should be doing! The return stretch on the forward side was retracked as well.
There are now designated smoking areas throughout the park, another move that has now been long-awaited by folks like me. There are 19 of them located throughout the park, making them easy to find. The new system, of course has issues. Some smokers and people used to smoking throughout, have been dumbfounded that they can't do so anymore, and may get pissy. Also, there is not enough signage and recorded spiels informing park guests of this new rule.
The front gate area, which was supposed to be recieving improvements, failed to impress me, with a tram circle missing the loading gates. Few of the metal detector lanes were open, and the signs over the entry turnstiles have been removed. Re-entry handstamping was also unsually confusing to a point.
The parking lot has given me mixed feelings. The standard parking fee remains at $9, but the preferred lot has risen to $15. Also, the parking area closest to the gate that had a mix of standard parking spaces with the handicapped spaces has now been converted to handicapped.
Son of Beast is also so-so so far. While the second hill has been redone and reprofiled, some points of the ride remain painful, and the floor on the trains, a part of the restraint system, has been raised again. One of the biggest pet peeves is adjusting restraint systems to the point that large and tall riders either are extremely uncomfortable or unable to ride at all. This is also true with Flight of Fear which has the short seatbelt, and many Intamin rides, including Drop Zone.
Face/Off is being repainted - they are nearly done with the macaroni yellow track, while set to repaint the red supports.
The Italian Job: Stunt Track is not far from letting select guests on for a "soft opening." The scenery and billboards are now all in place, and the special effects, like the explosions and the helicopter, are being tested. The MINI Cooper trains have run through the circuit many times, and are equipped with on-board speakers, and restraint bars similar to Son of Beast and Flight of Fear, but without the seat belts (and hopefully the rasied floors), more suitable to larger and taller riders.
Honestly, I can't wait to get on this thing, and ride it througout the summer. It won't be too intense or fast, but great for families - the thing actually reminds me of the Whizzer at Six Flags Great America.
And now, here's hoping that this season will be a great one, with new thrills and new eating, and some cleaner air.
Most notable new thing is the Italian Job: Stunt Track, which was looking good as trains were being launched through the circuit. I'll discuss IJ:ST later on.
The next most notable is the re-paint of the Eiffel Tower now underway. While it is something that you would expect done before the park opens for the season, I'm happy that they're finally repainting the fading light blue, to a darker tone of green-blue, similar to the Kings Dominion Eiffel Tower, repainted a few years ago.
There are new food places throughout the park this year. Hand-dipped ice cream is now served in a walk-in Graeter's parlor, at an International Street corner near the western entrance to Hanna-Barbera Land. This Graeter's looks much like one of their outside locations, and also serves sundaes. There is also a small seating area inside Graeter's. The former hand-dipped ice cream stand now serves slushies and mini-donuts, great for those who are hungry in the morning yet want a mini-breakfast.
Happy Days Diner has replaced Preston T. Tucker's Roadside Grille. Themed to the classic TV show, Happy Days serves food you'd expect to see at a 50's style diner: burgers, waffle fries, hot dogs, and shakes.
Three locations are not yet open and complete. On International Street, the Mandarin Chinese restaurant has closed and will be replaced with a Mexican restaurant. Also, La Patisserie Francaise, which served good pastries and cookies for years, has closed to make way for a Starbucks cafe. Around the corner, Magilla Gorilla's Grill will become the park's own Chick-fil-A stand, serving those great chicken sandwiches and fries. Word has it that this location, like other C-f-A's, will be closed on Sundays.
I think one of the best new perks is the special season pass sport-quarts. They are available for $4.99 (but the first 1,000 passholders on SP weekend got theirs free), and refills are only $0.99! (plus tax) This is possibly one of the best bargains, since large drinks regularly go for $3 or more.
If you or someone you know are of shorter height, you may be affected by new height restrictions. For example, The Racer has gone from 44" to 48", in sync with the other two large wood coasters. Water rides, like Congo Falls, Wild Thornberrys and White Water Canyon, now have MINIMUM heights that children need to be, even if accompanied. Same change goes for the Beastie.
The first season pass weekend had a greeter in place at the Racer's, but I didn't see one the second weekend. This is a service that the park needs to have in place at more rides, because it kills the capacity when ride attendants have to check height every other train, often needing to use manual release (very time-consuming). BUT just about every cycle was racing, as the ride should be doing! The return stretch on the forward side was retracked as well.
There are now designated smoking areas throughout the park, another move that has now been long-awaited by folks like me. There are 19 of them located throughout the park, making them easy to find. The new system, of course has issues. Some smokers and people used to smoking throughout, have been dumbfounded that they can't do so anymore, and may get pissy. Also, there is not enough signage and recorded spiels informing park guests of this new rule.
The front gate area, which was supposed to be recieving improvements, failed to impress me, with a tram circle missing the loading gates. Few of the metal detector lanes were open, and the signs over the entry turnstiles have been removed. Re-entry handstamping was also unsually confusing to a point.
The parking lot has given me mixed feelings. The standard parking fee remains at $9, but the preferred lot has risen to $15. Also, the parking area closest to the gate that had a mix of standard parking spaces with the handicapped spaces has now been converted to handicapped.
Son of Beast is also so-so so far. While the second hill has been redone and reprofiled, some points of the ride remain painful, and the floor on the trains, a part of the restraint system, has been raised again. One of the biggest pet peeves is adjusting restraint systems to the point that large and tall riders either are extremely uncomfortable or unable to ride at all. This is also true with Flight of Fear which has the short seatbelt, and many Intamin rides, including Drop Zone.
Face/Off is being repainted - they are nearly done with the macaroni yellow track, while set to repaint the red supports.
The Italian Job: Stunt Track is not far from letting select guests on for a "soft opening." The scenery and billboards are now all in place, and the special effects, like the explosions and the helicopter, are being tested. The MINI Cooper trains have run through the circuit many times, and are equipped with on-board speakers, and restraint bars similar to Son of Beast and Flight of Fear, but without the seat belts (and hopefully the rasied floors), more suitable to larger and taller riders.
Honestly, I can't wait to get on this thing, and ride it througout the summer. It won't be too intense or fast, but great for families - the thing actually reminds me of the Whizzer at Six Flags Great America.
And now, here's hoping that this season will be a great one, with new thrills and new eating, and some cleaner air.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
John Paul II: 1920-2005
According to a Vatican e-mail, "The Holy Father died this evening at 9:37 p.m. in his private apartment." This was a far different kind of communication to the media from the Vatican, than when the last Pope died in 1978.
Why does the world grieve?
He was the only one that was Pope for as long as I have lived, as well as so many in this world.
He was one of the greatest thinkers and authors of his time.
He, among other leaders, helped bring the Berlin Wall and communism down.
He strongly opposed socialism and communism, while criticizing capitalism (even though he understood the free market).
He opposed wars while advocating the protection of the unborn.
He went against pop culture movements to righfully uphold tradition.
He touched the wealthy and not-so wealthy, and reached to those of other faiths.
I am sure now that the man born Karol Joseph Wojtyla is now with his Lord, and belongs to the ages.
TR: PKI 4/2/05
Today I visited Kings Island for its first operating day open to the public in 2005. Hours were scheduled to be 10 am to 8 pm, but the Park closed at noon, just two hours from opening. Why? Just so windy, cold, wet, and few people. It was one of the worst days, and probably the worst Jeff Siebert could remember. (PKI will be open tomorrow, Sunday, for passholders starting at 10 am, and open until 8, weather permitting).
Upon entering the park, I got a souvenir cup (free) which I believe gets me refills all season long for 99¢. Nice deal.
I first did Flight of Fear, twice. Lights on! Honestly, I like the ride a bit better with the lights on, because it doesn't happen so often.
Next, Dodgems. Weak and slow... that's all I'll say.
The Beast (one ride, back seat) was running with two trains, not much of an issue today. No different than I remember, a bit rough but still fast and fun.
Some of my friends love the SpongeBob in 3-D, so we did that as well. It's nonsensical and whimsical, but still a favorite.
Our final ride of the day was Scooby-Doo! and the Haunted Castle... I always get the lowest score of my peers!
At closing time, noon, Jeff Siebert gave the luck souls who stayed around a tour of Italian Job: Stunt Track. Instead of walking the perimeter, like on the last two tours, we got to go up closer, into the station, and... tour the tunnel between the middle and end of the ride!
I got some photos of the splash-ending area and the station, but was not alllowed to take any too up close or in the tunnel. Let me say, this thing will be insane: pitch black, sharp turns, and the only light will be from the front and back of the train. IJST will be a lot of fun once it get running in the next two weeks, and even better once theming is in place in May.
Also, Happy Days Diner looked great, and I'm looking forward to some of the new food options, like Graeter's and Chick-fil-A. Starbucks is going in the old French pastry shop, and the old hand dipded ice cream stand will now sell donuts.
Upon entering the park, I got a souvenir cup (free) which I believe gets me refills all season long for 99¢. Nice deal.
I first did Flight of Fear, twice. Lights on! Honestly, I like the ride a bit better with the lights on, because it doesn't happen so often.
Next, Dodgems. Weak and slow... that's all I'll say.
The Beast (one ride, back seat) was running with two trains, not much of an issue today. No different than I remember, a bit rough but still fast and fun.
Some of my friends love the SpongeBob in 3-D, so we did that as well. It's nonsensical and whimsical, but still a favorite.
Our final ride of the day was Scooby-Doo! and the Haunted Castle... I always get the lowest score of my peers!
At closing time, noon, Jeff Siebert gave the luck souls who stayed around a tour of Italian Job: Stunt Track. Instead of walking the perimeter, like on the last two tours, we got to go up closer, into the station, and... tour the tunnel between the middle and end of the ride!
I got some photos of the splash-ending area and the station, but was not alllowed to take any too up close or in the tunnel. Let me say, this thing will be insane: pitch black, sharp turns, and the only light will be from the front and back of the train. IJST will be a lot of fun once it get running in the next two weeks, and even better once theming is in place in May.
Also, Happy Days Diner looked great, and I'm looking forward to some of the new food options, like Graeter's and Chick-fil-A. Starbucks is going in the old French pastry shop, and the old hand dipded ice cream stand will now sell donuts.
Friday, April 01, 2005
How to fight the right: with food!
Pat Buchanan Doused With Salad Dressing
First, it's pundit Ann Coulter nearly missing some cream pies. Months later, just about a week ago, Bill Kristol, editor of the National Review, was not so lucky with the pies. Now another well-known conservative figure, Pat Buchanan, has been hit with food, this week. And no, these are not mishaps at the FNC cafeteria. Just some "liberal arguments" on college campuses.
Whatever happened to misspelled vulgar signs and slogan-loaded chants? Are they not effective enough anymore when a conservative or Republican comes to town.
I'm sure that when John Kerry came to Cincinnati, some College Republicans waved flip flops at him, but didn't actually throw them at Sen. Kerry. And when the speaker was Michael Moore, some students might have waved bags of Wendy's food in the air on UC's McMicken Commons, but they didn't throw it at Moore.
This nation is getting closer and closer to Hitler's Nazi Germany. Minority political thought is often shut down on or political campuses. We starve the disabled. Now it needs the right leader....
First, it's pundit Ann Coulter nearly missing some cream pies. Months later, just about a week ago, Bill Kristol, editor of the National Review, was not so lucky with the pies. Now another well-known conservative figure, Pat Buchanan, has been hit with food, this week. And no, these are not mishaps at the FNC cafeteria. Just some "liberal arguments" on college campuses.
Whatever happened to misspelled vulgar signs and slogan-loaded chants? Are they not effective enough anymore when a conservative or Republican comes to town.
I'm sure that when John Kerry came to Cincinnati, some College Republicans waved flip flops at him, but didn't actually throw them at Sen. Kerry. And when the speaker was Michael Moore, some students might have waved bags of Wendy's food in the air on UC's McMicken Commons, but they didn't throw it at Moore.
This nation is getting closer and closer to Hitler's Nazi Germany. Minority political thought is often shut down on or political campuses. We starve the disabled. Now it needs the right leader....
We've moved!
My blog, known as AAblog, will now be known as simply "Allen Arena (the blog)", and has relocated to a new location because of uploading problems.
Hopefully I can update it more often than I used to.
Hopefully I can update it more often than I used to.
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