The Best Viral Video of 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mrs. Connie Chung!

Viral Video: Why I Hate Cell Phones

The following video is evidence that I am not the only person in America that finds cell phones horribly annoying and distracting.



Only one more video left in 2006. The final clip will be a classic, I assure you.

Viral Video: B of A Cringe Fest!

Watch as Bank of America's Jim DuBois turns a great U2 song into something just awful...

Viral Video: Kramer's Racist Tirade

You may have seen the Christmas parody. Now, the original, starring Michael Richards.

NSFW: Contains strong, racial slurs and other offensive language.

Viral Video: Brokeback to the Future

Having learned of the death of former U.S. President Gerald Ford, I'm not feeling very funny right now, but nonetheless, it's time for a Viral Video of the day...

And since 2006 is almost over, it's now time to show some of the funniest and wackiest videos of this year. I'll start off this one, a mix of two great movies of two different topics, so I'll say this...

I've seen the Back to the Future trilogy many times. I also saw Brokeback Mountain a couple times this year as well. But I never thought of Marty McFly's relationship with Dr. Emmitt Brown being like that of Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar...

Viral Video: Best Weatherman Ever

From the Viral Vault, you may remember Mark Mathis, who was the flamboyant and wild weatherman for a Fox affiliate in Charlotte.

Carowinds' new logo?

It's been lurking around some forums, and some folks at PKICentral.com came across what may be the first non-Paramount logo for one of the "former" Paramount Parks:



The logo looks sort of funny (the ® is placed weird: "Car®owinds"), and the black looks kinda grainy, like it came from a fax. The park name is presented in the same font as Cedar Point's, including the flag in place of a dotted "i", but in a straight across design than the double-arched style of CP's. Also, since the parent company has sort of renamed itself, "Cedar Fair Family of Parks" sounds more appropriate than simply "A Cedar Fair, L.P. Park."

If this logo is going around, it might not be too long before Kings Island's new logo is revealed - will they go in the same style as Cedar Point and Carowinds, bring back the classic logo from 1972-92, or create something different?

A Christmas Kings Island Aerial Update

http://photos.pkicentral.com/thumbnails.php?album=lastup

Again, our friends from PKICentral flew over the park for us, with a new update on what's on the way for 2007. First, the first real glimpse at Son of Beast, sans-loop. Also, there has been more progress at Fort Cooper...

Of course, stay tuned for more. There could be an announcement or update even BIGGER coming very soon...

A Merry Christmas Viral Video: Regis & Rudolph

Viral Video: Weird Al "interviews" Kevin Federline

A-Yank and K-Fed discuss the latest national disaster since Katrina...

Andy Furman to return to Cincinnati radio

Andy Furman's ouster from Cincinnati radio is soon coming to an end. It's been announced that Furman will host a late-afternoon sports talk show on 96.5 FM, SuperTalk, beginning Monday, January 8, 4-7 PM.
Furman, well known for his controversial remarks, was suspended by 700 WLW after remarks said about Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who did not show up for a live talk show that Furman co-hosted in October. Three weeks later, Furman was fired.
Furman joked, “If Miss USA got a second chance, why shouldn’t I?” in reference to Donald Trump's decision to not fire Miss USA after inappropriate behavior.

Welcome back, Furball!

Cedar Fair announces $83 Million in Additions & Improvements for 2007; $10 M for Kings Island

Press Release

Today, amusement park superpower Cedar Fair announced a total of $83 million in capital expenditures, including new attractions and other improvements. Flagship park Cedar Point will receive the most with Maverick, a $21 million launch coaster, first officially announced in September. Second in line is Kings Dominon, one of five former Paramount parks acqured by the company in June, which is expanding its WaterWorks water park. The $11 million investment includes a second wave pool, along with two major slides.
Also very notable is Kings Island, which will receive $10 million, including a new thrill ride yet to be named. Knott's will get $8 million, including the rumored family spinning coaster.

A certain P-word was not mentioned in the release...

X-Flight coming down quickly...

Geauga Lake Today posted some new photos from Wednesday of the dismantling of X-Flight. Much more of the track is now gone, instead laying in the parking lot... as it did just six years ago when Six Flags was building it.

Viral Video: Anchorwoman Pwned!

CAUTION: Don't try this at home.

Don't blink...

Viral Video: Howard Stern Starts Fire

NSFW: contains some crass, potty mouth humor that is a bit too extreme for some...

A CNN anchorwoman soon realizes that the REAL mayor of San Diego didn't just say that...

Joseph Barbera, 1911-2006

Youi Bear's co-creator dies at 95 (CNN)

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna-Barbera animation team that produced such beloved cartoon characters as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear and the Flintstones, died Monday, a Warner Bros. spokesman said. He was 95.

Barbera died of natural causes at his home with his wife, Sheila, at his side, Warner Bros. spokesman Gary Miereanu said.

Well, one of the greatest animation teams has officially faded into history, but a great legacy was left behind. Generations, like mine, grew up with the Hanna-Barbera cartoons, through the TV, at Kings Island, and in other places... May the legends of Mr. Barbera and Mr. Hanna live on.

Viral Video: Santa's Elfist Tirade

I'm sure you know by now which video this one is a parody of...

Kings Island hinting at 2007?

The latest e-mail sent out regarding 2007 season passes...

Kings Island soars into its 35th Anniversary with more than 85 world-class rides and attractions, including world-record holding roller coasters, an award-winning children's area, 15-acre water park, and outstanding family musical productions. Enjoy all this and much more with your 2007 Season Passes!

(emphasis added by editor)

One thing Bengals and Colts fans agree on...

It's not quite the rivalry that the Bengals have with the Steelers or Browns, but you think it would be since Cincinnati is only about two hours away from Indianapolis. There might be a debate on who has the better team, better QB, offense, defense, coach, etc.

But there seems to be a consensus on who has the better downtown. Last week, the Cincinnati Enquirer asked readers what city has a better downtown: they loudly responded that it's the hometown of the Colts that's on top.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/BIZ01/612180318/1076

Hundreds of specialty retailers, restaurants and clubs. Dozens of theaters, museums, parks and sports venues. More than 5,000 hotel rooms. A huge convention center that's being expanded - again. Nearly 10,000 single-family homes, condos and apartments. A supermarket.

That's not just a wish list for downtown Cincinnati; it's what downtown Indianapolis already has.

Ten years after its $319 million Circle Centre shopping mall opened, downtown Indianapolis has a multitude of downtown workers, shoppers, residents and out-of-town visitors who bring these places to life and keep them in business.

There's no doubt Cincinnati has some great qualities, even advantages, in its downtown and core: a great history, remarkable architecture, visual and performing arts, riverfront setting, great hills, major league baseball, and so on. Oh, and Kings Island is in Cincy's metro area.

Indianapolis, however, is much more vibrant after 5PM - and more than just an botique arts district full of young professionals. When it comes to football towns, not all the fans are hanging out in the parking lots tailgating in Indianapolis; they're shopping and dining at the restaurants at Circle Centre. Many of the hotels, stores, restaurants, and businesses are accessible via the skywalk to the Convention Center and RCA Dome - everything just seems more together. The Lucas Oil Stadium, to open in 2008, seems a little disconnected from downtown, but because of its retractable roof, can be used year-round and for events well beyond football.

However, in Cincinnati, the stadium just seems disconnected from downtown - it's surronded by a big parking lot, and whaterver is downrown seems hidden between shuttered office buildings. I know that potential is there, with the Banks, and new restaurants going in around Fountain Square, but it's going to be some time- even with residents moving into downtown. And we still have the Bengals and Hamilton County arguing over who is responsible for what at Paul Brown Stadium...

And don't forget about UniGov - Indianapolis and Marion County have worked together for about 40 years, while Cincinnati and Hamilton County are experts at the game of finger-pointing.

Viral Video: Barack Obama on MNF

Tonight on ESPN Monday Night Football, it's a big game that just about everyone I know will be watching - Colts vs. Bengals at RCA Dome.

But last week, it was the Rams vs. Bears, and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) had an important announcement prior to the broadcast. Let's say that some western Illinois constituents weren't too happy with his message...

Coombs leaves Colerain for UC

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/SPT0101/312170014

A great era in high school football has ended. Kerry Coombs, the quintessential high school football coach, is leaving his head coaching position after 16 years at Colerain. He won't be moving very far (or this case, probably not at all), as he will become an assistant of Brian Kelly at the University of Cincinnati.

Coombs, who has a record of 161-34, including a 15-0 championship season in 2004, will continue be a great asset as the Bearcats' defensive backs coach. The team travels to Toronto on January 6, 2007, as UC plays Western Michigan in the International Bowl. Can't travel to Canada? The game will be on ESPN2, even for suckers like me who have Time Warner.

Viral Video: Hosting Public Access Can Be Tough

Let's take a trip back to 1990, where Ken Sander, a New York public access channel host, takes calls on whether New Yorkers should have handguns. Lets' say that here, some handguns are being fired at Sander, and they're loaded with F-bombs and other dirty talk. And hang on for Letterman's parody...

NSFW: Yes, even on a Public Access channel, callers feel the need to repeatedly use foul language. Therefore, I recommend you watch this at home, or somewhere you won't be penalized...

Geauga Lake X-Flight dismantling begins

X-Flight, the flying coaster whose removal from Geauga Lake was announced last month, is now being dismantled, according to photos on Geauga Lake Today.

The arrow points towards the helix section, where track has been removed from the overhead supports.

It is still unknown officially which Cedar Fair park it's headed to, but it's likely that park could be Kings Island, according to aerial photos taken by PKI Central.

Stay tuned for more dismantling photos... as well as re-construction photos, wherever that may be!

Viral Video: We're Live, Bert!

Minnesota Twins anaylyst Bert Blyleven, during a pre-game at Yankee Stadium, and not realizing he was on live TV, messes up and colorfully shows us his frustration...

NSFW: Contains vulgar language.

Viral Video: Weatherman vs. Cockroach

Some on the internet like to question this guy's manilness, even his sexuality. But one thing is sure about this video, and most likely, you've seen it: FUNNY!

Watch as Justin Mosely, meteorologist for a Sarasota cable news channel, gets pwned.

The Dismantling Game continues...

As Kings Dominion is working to add to WaterWorks, one other attraction may be going away...

The park's 5-year old S&S launch coaster, Hypersonic XLC, is listed for sale. Whether there are any takers has yet to be seen. Sister park Cedar Point had been trying to seel Demon Drop since later 2005 season, but still had not found a buyer, even though it operated in 2006. Whether the same will be true for Hypersonic is unknown at this time.


As one Cedar Fair park is changing, another Six Flags park seems to be disappearing for good.

A thread on rec.roller-coaster shows Six Flags New Orleans' Batman the Ride, a B&M inverted coaster, being dismantled. This most likely confirms that the park, which has been closed since August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, will not re-open. This coaster was first installed elsewhere, so now, the first B&M to be relocated, has been relocated more than once...

Also from the Six Flags Blotter, Magic Mountain's once-innovative Superman: The Escape is also listed for sale.

Of course this comes all after it was announced that Kings Island is removing the vertical loop from Son of Beast as part of modification to resolve the problems that caused the July 9th incident when over two dozen riders were injured.... So stay tuned, this might be a winter full of action!

"Kings Dominion" to expand WaterWorks, lower prices

As you may have seen earlier on, it was reported through a Career Day brochure on PKD's website that WaterWorks would be expanded. Today, the park confirmed it, not only with a press release, but also through an e-mail that I received.

The park’s waterpark, WaterWorks, is receiving its first major expansion since 1999. Located inside the theme park, WaterWorks is adding three major new attractions that offer something for everyone.

“New water attractions, new price, new year,” said Richard Zimmerman, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. “We know our guests are looking for ways to stretch their entertainment dollar and next year, Kings Dominion will be an even better value. With our expanded waterpark, and our unparalleled collection of roller coasters, rides and attractions, no other park in the Mid-Atlantic can offer so much fun and excitement.”

Beginning with Tidal Wave Bay, Kings Dominion is adding a second wave pool to the waterpark. Filled with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, Tidal Wave Bay will offer hours of swimming adventure.

The new Tornado attraction combines high thrills with spinning and churning wet spills. Extending 65 feet into the air, the Tornado provides riders with a unique water experience that everyone will want to ride again and again. Finally, the addition of the Zoom Flume, will give families the opportunity to enjoy a rafting adventure together. Four riders at a time can climb aboard the raft and “zoom” down the curving and tilting raging water path.

Also, Kings Dominion is lowering the prices of daily general admission. Adults get in for $5 less than 2006, at $44.95. Junior/Senior pricing (also a Cedar Fair thing) is $24.95, and admission after 4 PM will now be $29.95 - it is the first time pricing at KD has been lowered since the park opened in 1975.

If you notice that in the typed portion of the press release, "Paramount" is not mentioned even once...

Viral Video: The News Can Make You Sick!

This one is more work safe, but make sure you're not eating when you see this...

Report: Canada's Wonderland De-Paramountized?

http://www.pkicentral.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=8698&view=findpost&p=140581

A visitor to Canada's Wonderland, who was there for a job interview, noticed some changes underway.

He claims that the "Paramount Canada's Wonderland" signs have been removed, and replaced with those saying "Cedar Fair presents Canada's Wonderland." Also, there is some renovation work going on throughout the park, inside and out, and that some ride names have been changed. Lastly, while Nickelodeon characters will remain as expected, apparently the Hanna-Barbera characters and areas are being removed and changed, to replaced with the Peanuts.

Because there isn't photographic evidence, nor multiple sources, this information can't be confirmed. But, knowing that Cedar Fair is in charge, expect changes to take place. The changes that this visitor listed, to me, are a bit believable.

State releases Son of Beast report; Loop GONE

From the desk of Maureen Kaiser:

Son of Beast Statement
12.13.06

The State of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture released today its final report detailing the outcome of the extensive Son of Beast inspection. The report reaffirms initial indications that the incident was an unforeseen single event failure.

We will now focus our energies on the appropriate and necessary changes needed to reopen the ride in 2007. In addition to reinforcing the physical structure of the ride, we plan to remove the loop. Taking this extra step enables us to use lighter trains, which will reduce the load and lead to a more comfortable ride experience.

We are making good progress on Son of Beast and are fully committed to reopening the ride in 2007.

You can read the Department of Agriculture's final report here.
(WCPO: Son Of Beast Accident Blamed On Design Flaw)

While I'll miss the signature, unique loop, hopefully the new trains will give a much better overall ride experience. (image courtesy CYoung2003) "BEER!"

Viral Video: Problems on Indy's West Side

WARNING - NOT SAFE FOR WORK
This video contains material that may be offensive, play at your own risk.

The traffic reporter at WRTV Channel 6 in Indianapolis shows us that, yes, there really are some problems involving more than traffic on the city's west side.

Something Going On at Kings Island...

My friends at PKICentral have posted some aerial pictures of Kings Island recently taken, that show a great deal of land clearing behind Flight of Fear. The site seems to have a rectangular shape, similar to that of the X-Flight coaster that will be removed from Geauga Lake.

One of the five pictures also shows Son of Beast, which is undergoing some winter work, near the end of the ride's circuit - and the coaster's vertical loop also standing.

However, please note that the pictures were taken on December 3, more than a week ago. This is because the PKICentral staff waited until they got approval from Kings Island to post the pictures. This could also mean that the Son of Beast's loop may be gone after all...

(UPDATE) KI has confirmed that the SOB loop has been removed!

Promotions Gone Bad

It's not like a sports team has pulled off a promotion that was either tasteless, or just plain backfired.

Disco Demolition Night. Cheap Beer Night. Tonya Harding Baseball Bat Day. Nude viewing area (enclosed, tinted tent). Now, Big Ben Motorcycle Helmet Night.

The Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL are back, and in their return season, they've decided to sink to a new low to get fans. Yes, I know that the purpose of the promotion is motorcycle safety, and it's unfortunate that too many riders have lost their lives because they weren't wearing a helmet, Ben Roethlisberger himself made the foolish mistake in not wearing one himself.

But am I the only one who doesn't find this promotion funny? I felt very bad when I heard of Ben's accident - learning that he could have very well died from his injuries. I do not wish injury on anyone*. I have a feeling that partisan Bengals fans think this is a fun way to "get even" with the Steelers. However, I'm sure that the Bengals would NEVER try this kind of promotion, fearing a PR nightmare and/or serious fines by the NFL.

To those who like this promotion: should I suggest that the Pittsburgh Penguins have Carson Palmer Surgery Night?

*I'm willing to make exceptions, such as those who blow up innocent people, skyscrapers, buildings, etc.

Great Wolf Lodge next to Kings Island ready to go

The abysmal time of year, better known as winter is on its way. Miss the warm weather, when you could ride the waves, slip down a cool and exciting slide, or just relax in the water? Very soon, people like me won't have to go far to get a fix...

The new Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, next to Kings Island, is all but complete, and some lucky guests, like contractors and employees, as well as friends and family, got the chance to experience the indoor waterpark's "dry run." The Lodge is set to open this Thursday, Dec. 14, according to their website.

Check out these photos taken by PKICentral.com - this place has some of the most impressive water attractions in the Cincinnati area - 11 slides, including a water coaster, bowl slide, plus an indoor wave pool, lazy river, and more. Catch is, you have to reserve a room to enjoy the water park. Rooms at the Great Wolf range from $180 to $600 a night, depending on room type and date - and include 4 waterpark passes.

Viral Video: But... He's Gay!

To get some activity here, I'm going to post a cool or funny video every day or so...

How 'bout this Freudian slip... who has she been hanging out with?!

Geauga Lake to get smaller.

Ever since Kings Island closed for the season in late October, there was some speculation that Cedar Fair's "new" Ohio park would be getting a "new" coaster.

At the same time, it was noted that the faltering Geauga Lake, also a property of Cedar Fair located in Ohio, would be undergoing some restructuring. The park's PR representative, Lexi Robinson had been let go, with folks from Cedar Point assuming her duties. Attendance has been stagnant compared to 2005, even with expansion of Wildwater Kingdom. In addition, the Hurricane Hannah's park lay abandoned, the Belaire Express monorail was shut down, and Steel Venom had a serious mechanical issue later on in the season that shut it down earlier.

This has led to rumors that X-Flight, the park's newest coaster, installed in 2001, would be dismantled and sent to another park. It looked more likely as some electrical fixtures were being removed, especially lighting on the lift hill. It also looked suspicious that a surveying company - from Milford, OH, not far from KI - was spotted in X-Flight's perimeter. At the same time, the surveyors could have been there just for utility work going on along Aurora Rd - and that the electrical work was just upgrades, including installing an on-ride photo system. But ORP work in November?

Today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and park spokesman Bryan Edwards, confirmed half of the rumors. X-Flight will no longer be operating at Geauga Lake, and will be dismantled and relocated to another park. But which park?

Which park will be getting a used Vekoma flying coaster?
Many rumors have stated that it's headed south for Kings Island, probably next to Flight of Fear. But would they really send a used coaster to a park that is one of Cedar Fair's biggest and highest attended parks? Have they even broken ground yet?
Other possibilities include Michigan's Adventure, which is growing and has not seen a new coaster since around 1999 - a Vekoma flyer might be the type of coaster its patrons have been wanting.
There's even the crazy rumor that it's headed for Great America, which built the world's first flying coaster - but later sent it across the country to Carowinds in 2004. It was removed from GA to make way for Boomerang Bay, which better suited the park's family audience, not to mention the lack of room to grow the park out in Silicon Valley. Now, the 49ers want to build a football stadium next door!

Also, the monorail will be removed over the winter from Geauga Lake. I hate to see any monorail go, but that's what they're doing. Hopefully Jungle Jim's will finally get theirs up - a handover from another park now owned by Cedar Fair.

Stay tuned!

New look for the blog, and other news tidbits.

This isn't the final version of what you may see, but I have changed the layout and colors of the AAblog, to make it look brighter, hopefully easier to read, and overall better.

Whether I'll update it consistently is another story.

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Glenn Beck is back on the air in Cincinnat after almost a year's absence - and clearer than ever before! He is now on 96.5 FM SuperTalk, which recently changed formats from country to talk. That's right, FM! Stereo!
However, 96.5 only carries the show's last two hours, from 10am to noon. If you want to hear the first hour, 9-10 am, you will either have to tune in to Columbus' 610 WTVN-AM, listen on XM satellite radio, listen to an online radio station that carries Glenn, or become an Insider at GlennBeck.com.
In January, 550 WKRC-AM, who carried Glenn Beck since late 2001, dropped Beck in favor of Fox News' political analyst Tony Snow. However, Snow, a Princeton HS graduate, like myself, accepted a position with the White House as the Press Secretary in April, and his radio slot again became vacant.
WKRC held an online poll - although the majority of the votes were for Glenn Beck, the station manager chose to ignore the poll because many of the votes came from outside the Cincinnati market, and instead chose Laura Ingraham for the time slot.

----

Neil Patrick Harris had a life-changing event that made the news, and the top list of celebrities on AmIAnnoying.com - Legal troubles? Illness? Death? Break-up?

Nope. He's gay.

The actor, who rose to fame as the teenage doctor Doogie Howser, M.D. and currently starring in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, gave the following statement:

"The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."

700 WLW Fires Andy Furman

Today marked the end of an era in Cincinnati radio, with the termination of Sports Talk host Andy Furman from 700 WLW. About two weeks ago, Furman was suspended with pay after an argument with Bengals wide reciever T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and calling the player a racist, after failing to show up for a paid appearance on a radio show.

On Oct. 6, Furman said on the air that Houshmandzadeh had called him a “punk ass white boy.” Houshmandzadeh denied making the remark.

“I told him, ‘Andy Furman, you can f**k yourself.’ That’s the bottom line. And he twisted it into all whatever he wants to,” Houshmandzadeh said several days after the broadcast. “What he did was wrong…. This time he took it too far.”

As a frequent listener to 700 WLW, especially of the Bill Cunningham show, I am disturbed of Furman's firing. I know Furman has said many things that have angered fans, players, as well as team owners and officials, but isn't his role as a talk host to question others' descisions and behaviors? I've enjoyed Andy being critical of players who have gone above the law, owners who have been too thrifty, and fans who have been rude, nasty, apathetic, or tended to go bandwagon.

Does this also mean the end of "Randy Furman," Scott Sloan's orthodox Jewish character?

God Bless you, Andy Furman.


Enquirer article

Cardinals win World Series!

Last Friday night, the World Series finally ended, at Busch Stadium, when the St. Louis Cardinals won game 5, with a score of 4-2. David Eckstein was named MVP of the World Series, and I must say, what an interesting season!

This was a season that was lackluster at best. They even clinched the NL Central with a loss, and only Atlanta's defeat of the Astros got the Cardinals in. Hell, can you ever imagine Busch Stadium full of fans doing the tomahawk chop?

I was a little more optimistic that the Cardinals in the postseason, predicting that they would get past the Padres in the division series, but have low chances of getting past the Mets in the NLCS, because the New York team just had the National League's best regular season record. When I saw the first two games at Shea split, I thought "eh, not so bad, but what about Busch?" STL ended up with 2 of the next 3 at home - almost as if the home team won every game. This would prove to be true with game 6 at Shea. But game seven came, and it went down to the end. The hero? Yadier Molina. Molina who? Ninth inning. I would't exactly say the Mets imploded, since an otherwise Scott Rolen HR was barely caught, but the Metropolitans lost some key guys... The improbable had finally happened. My naysaying friends were stunned.

Now the World Series, and the Detroit Tigers, who bumped off Oakland in four games, were the media's favorite in this series. You've got several young guys, like Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman, along with a veteran in Kenny Rogers (pine tar, not roasted chicken), some good defense. Oh, and Sean Casey, who was slumping with the Reds in 2005, although a fan favorite in Cincinnati. He'd be traded to NL outhouse Pittsburgh, albeit his hometown, and then to the quickly up and coming Tigers. And of course, the self-described 'hard-ass' that is Jim Leyland.

On the other hand, you've got 2005 NL Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter, a powerful Jeff Suppan, and an improved Jeff Weaver. Hungry fans who've waited 24 years, and a hungry Tony La Russa. David Eckstein, while short, is fast on his feet, Jim Edmonds still plays great defense, and Scott Rolen is healthy and playing this time around. You also have the iconic Scott Spezio available.

And Albert Pujols. While it seemed #5 was cold this postseason as a hitter, great defense by Albert and teammates made up for it. And the Tigers and their pitching staff made some bad errors that the Cardinals were able to take advantage of. The Tigers' only win had something to do with pine tar... But now, it's the Cards fans who've been dancing in the streets, after what I think has been an awesome comeback.

Some may say that a loaded team is expected to dismantle some after being so successful, because of the stars wanting dramatic salary increases -but think about what would have happened if they didn't go this far? Congratulations, Redbirds!!! Your hands are full of rings!

Does the dream come true tonight?

Tonight, the St. Louis Cardinals are just one game away from winning the World Series in Game 5 at Busch Stadium. They lead the Detroit Tigers 3-1.

While I'm depressed that I can't be there, especially since I had a ticket to LAST YEAR'S Game Five, I'm definitely excited that the Cardinals are about to reach this great pinnacle! If they do win tonight, the Cardinals will be the first team to win the World Series in a brand-new stadium! Yes, I still miss the old Busch Stadium, but this is definitely beyond what Cardinals owners were hoping for with a new facility. Many teams have demanded new stadiums and arenas in the hope it would boost revenues, bring in top players, and to win championships. Do we have a great case study on or hands, a really good team that's already been in the making, or just great luck.

As some may say, "Champions don't hesitate." Will the St. Louis Cardinals be world champions after game 5? Stay tuned!

One Month Left...

... or less than, that is. That's how much time left to visit amusement parks in the greater tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and some beyond. The water parks, as well as some amusement parks have closed, but here's what's left.

Going to a seasonal park in its last month has is pros and cons. Cons, in that less attractions may be operating, especially water rides and water parks - but knowing what the temperatures normally are in October, maybe that's not too much of a con.
However, the pros are in greater number, it seems. Crowds are generally lower than in summer months - some might give up on parks after Labor Day, but the weather is still decent enough to stop by. Some also have great Halloween festivals - with light-hearted family friendly attractions suitable for the little ones, to full-blown blood and gore that makes even the toughest coaster lover, like me, feel uneasy.
On top of that, you may get a good deal on getting in, whether it's discounted admission, or season passes. Not only are passes sometimes cheaper in the fall - they are valid for next year! Some parks allow instant entry for October 2006 with their passes, others don't.


Holiday World
Usually paired up with Splashin' Safari, this Santa Claus, IN theme park is just about all dry. Don't worry, three great wood coasters, including The Voyage, are reason enough for dropping by! But do so soon, they close for the season this Sunday, October 8! 2007 Season Passes are available.


Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
This Louisville park is still open weekends through October 29, and is offering Fright Fest, with fun and frightening attractions alongside the great coasters SFKK is known for. They are now selling 2007 passes, which include park admission right away, for only $49.99!


Kings Island
FearFest is back, and some say it is the best in years, if not ever! Six haunted attractions, three frightening zones, live entertainment, and the favorite coasters, on Friday and Saturday nights! Families and children won't be left out on fall fun, since Nick or Treat is available Saturdays and Sundays! Discounted admission can be found on the park's website: $19.99 for Friday nights, and all day Saturday, $29.99. Kings Island is now selling 2007 season passes for $74.99 for adults, and are valid for the rest of 2006 at KI as well. Now a member of Cedar Fair L.P., you can also upgrade to the Maxx Pass for only $50 more, to get access to eleven great parks, including Cedar Point and Geauga Lake in Ohio. $149.99 gets you Maxx Plus, which includes separately gated park as well - but these passes will not be valid outside of Kings Island until 2007.
Open Fridays 7 pm-12 midnight, Saturdays 11 am- midnight, and Sundays 11 am- 7 pm.


Stricker's Grove
This small picnic grove park located in the northwest corner of Hamilton County, near Ross, OH, will have its third and final public operating day of the 2006 season on October 15. Stricker's is normally reserved for private outings for companies, large groups, reunions, unions, and the like, but the friendly folks like to let the rest of us in on something many still don't know too much about! On this Customer Appreciation Day, admission is only $9, and includes all rides. Parking and soft drinks are free! If you've never been, it'll be a fun time, with several flat rides, and two fun wooden roller coasters.

Deal or No Deal is back!

This week on NBC, Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel, and the models, are back, with escalating prizes. When the show last went away, a high school football coach, who brought along his whole team, was playing for $5 million. In the previews, the top prize is supposed to escalate to $6 million.

Can't wait to see the show? Play this fun, tasty take on the hit game show!

Chicago's Big Box ordinance vetoed, rejected

Chicago Sun-Times

The living wage ordinance, which targeted big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart, is dead. After a veto by Mayor Richard Daley, as well as some aldermen, who first supported the ordinance but decided to reverse, because of the adverse economic effects caused by not having such stores in the city.

A South Side alderman with an expansion promise from Wal-Mart and two of Mayor Daley's closest Hispanic supporters said Monday they will provide the crossover votes Daley needs to sustain his veto of an ordinance requiring "big-box" retailers to pay their employees at least $13 an hour in wages and benefits by 2010.

"I understand and share a desire to ensure that everyone who works in ... Chicago earns a decent wage. But, I do not believe that this ordinance, well-intentioned as it may be, would achieve that end," Daley said in his first-ever veto message.

"Rather, I believe it would drive jobs and businesses from our city, penalizing neighborhoods that need additional economic activity the most. In light of this, I believe it is my duty to veto this ordinance."

Even after Daley's veto, the aldermen had the option of overriding the mayor's decision. However, those who supported the ordinance would ultimately lose after some of the council members decided to cross-over and oppose the law. They, among others, have realized that many shoppers leave the city to shop at these discount stores - why not keep the dollars within the Chicago city limits?

While some activists and union/labor leaders won't truly claim defeat, this shows that
"progressive" policy has actually hurt the inner cities and their residents, forcing retailers to build new stores in farmland and greenfields, rather than on brownfields and urban vacant sites that deserve it more - and for residents who need job opportunities and more choices.

Beech Bend neighbor wants Raceway, Amusement Park shut down

From the "I Have Nothing Better To Do Department":

Matt Baker wants to shut down Beech Bend Raceway Park for good.

In the wake of a Kentucky Court of Appeals ruling that would likely reopen a lane past his house to heavy weekend race traffic, Baker filed suit Sept. 8 in Warren Circuit Court against Warren County, City-County Planning Commission Executive Director Andy Gillies and Beech Bend owner Dallas Jones.

Baker's suit says the planning commission hasn't enforced its own ordinance - that Beech Bend's land is zoned for agriculture - and so shouldn't be used for a racetrack or amusement park.

It demands Jones “forever cease and desist all use of this property as an amusement park, campground, racetrack, concession or other entertainment facility.”

http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2006/09/14/local_news/news/news1.txt


I'm not sure if Mr. Baker has a case, but I am sure he has some personal feud going on. Then again, they could re-zone the Beech Bend property, or simply toss the bleeping lawsuit out.

Fox Sports writer ranks Bengals stadium 2nd worst.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5941952

Some people I know that bleed orange and black are going to see red:

The Worst

2. Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
The fans were so vulgar and there were such displays of drunkenness (no, fans, inebriation is not a right) that the team — to its credit — has instituted a jerk line to call out idiots who cross the line. Fans can use their cell phones to rat out their neighbors. Will it help? I'm skeptical. I realize that Cincinnati fans aren't the only ones who exhibit boorish behavior (Philly fans practically wrote the book on it). Besides those issues, however, there are things to dislike about PBS. I found it difficult to navigate in a car to a suitable lot, and to find the entrance to the stadium. Fans screaming about disrespect ("Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?") is hardly worthy of great NFL chants.

Honestly, I think the stadium is an architectural landmark for Cincinnati - it's sleek and modern, like I like. If it weren't for Stark County's money and buddy ties, the OHSAA state football finals would be there by now. I also appreciate the restrooms: they're large, and the urinals have partitions between them! But Elliott Kalb got most of the article right - the fans have an attitude problem. And 'Who Dey!" should have been retired with the 1980s, the Sam Wyche area, and Riverfront Stadium. When you have your biggest rival clearly, undisputedly answering "We Dey!" because they not only beat you, but they have yet another Super Bowl ring, it's time to find anoter chant.

Koch bumped off Colbert - for now.

I apologize to everyone who was looking forward to Holiday World's own Will Koch on last night's Colbert Report. Apparently, Will had microphone trouble, which messed up things. By the time they got a working microphone, it would be too late to air the segment yesterday.

According to Holiblog, it will be a few weeks, but stay tuned.

Therefore, you could say, Mr. Colbert himself is... ON NOTICE.

Will Koch tonight on Colbert Report - Sheriff Jones to be on Daily Show

Late program alert: Tune into Comedy Central to see the Colbert Report TONIGHT at 11:30 PM Eastern. Will Koch from Holiday World and Splashin' Safari will be on, in a segment connecting Spencer County, IN to Abraham Lincoln.

Coming soon to "brother show" Daily Show with Jon Stewart is Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones. The Sheriff is known around for his tough crackdown on illegal aliens and implementation of chain gangs, as well as cheap mystery meat for inmates. The segment will tape tomorrow, air date to be announced soon.

So, don't forget, the Colbear Repoor tonight at 11:30. Will Koch!

9/11 Caller - Tower Collapses While on Phone

NOT SUITABLE FOR SOME: Kevin Cosgrove, trapped on the 105th floor of Two World Trade Center, is on the line with 911 on his cell phone. The call ends abruptly when the tower collapses.

Please, no comments.

New from Apple: New iPods; major iTunes update, including Movies and Games!

Today came Apple's big "It's Showtime" press event.

First, changes across the board to the iPod lineup.

• iPod nano: new external designs, 5 colors, in the style of the popular predecessor Mini. Though prices remain the same, capacity is doubled. Brighter screen, improved battery life. Should be less scratch-prone than the previous nano model.
  
• $150: 2 GB - silver only
• $200: 4 GB - silver, green, pink, blue
• $250: 8 GB - black only
• iPod shuffle: totally redesigned, aluminum, with built-in belt/pocket clip - dock included.
• $79: 1 GB
• iPod: brighter display, improved battery life. Prices lowered by $50 compared to previous predecessor. Both models still have choice between black and white. The 5th Generation iPod now plays full-feature movies and games!
  
• $250: 30 GB
• $350: 80 GB - Holds approximately 20,000 songs. Increased capacity great for movies!

Next, major updates to iTunes and the iTunes Music Store!

• iTunes 7 released today
• Seperate library for music, podcasts, TV, etc.
• Auto download for album art
• Jukebox-style browsing of artwork
• Still a free download - looks great on my iMac!
  
• Online store now known as "iTunes Store"
• Music
  
• TV Shows
• Growing selection - over 45 million shows have been sold
  
• Features every major network, 220 different shows represented
• Resolution now 640 x 480–4x resolution
  
• Movies
• NEW!
• 75 features now available from Disney, Pixar, Touchstone and Miramax
• Future releases to be available same the same day as DVD release
• $12.99 first week then $14.99 afterward; pre-ordered titles $12.99
• 640 x 480 resolution
• 30 minute downloads, can watch movie as it loads
• Old titles $9.99
  
• Same rights apply on movies as on TV shows
  
• Only available in the US until 2007
  
• Same picture-based browsing featured with album art
  
• Mac with iTunes can now take over your living room (all your base are belong to Apple)
  
• Films feature tons of movie data such as actor bios, etc.
• Games
• NEW!
• 9 games now available, including Tetris, Pac-Man, Bejeweled, Vortex, Mini Golf
• $4.99 each or $44.91 for all 9
  
• Compatilbe only on 5th generation iPods - can't be played in iTunes.

Apple is also venturing into the home media center sector with iTV.

• Apple has wireless set top box for TV
• Working title is “iTV”
• Similar to Mac Mini, but 1/2 the size
• Uses Apple Remote
• Intended an ultimate media center, allowing users to play movies, music, photos, etc. on TV
• Works with PC or Mac
• $299, available in Q1 2007

Missing was the long-rumored widescreen, virtual touch iPod with wireless connectivity, as well as an iPhone - but never say never!

Photos and more at CrunchGear.

2007 Watch: Cedar Point announces Maverick!

"Maverick" is no longer a code name.

Today, Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH has announced its 17th roller coaster, Maverick, now being located in Frontiertown. Built on the former White Water Landing site, the Intamin launched coaster may lack the speed and height of previous Cedar Point coasters, but won't lack the fun thrill-seekers have come to expect.

Maverick features:

• Linear synchronous motor launching system
• 95-degree first drop
• Two launch areas
• Two 360-degree corkscrew rolls
• One 360-degree heartline roll
• Eight airtime-filled hills
• One 400-foot-long tunnel
• 10 banked turns, from 62 to 92 degrees
• Magnetic, non-contact braking system
• Elevated single load/unload station

The $21 million Maverick is the third most expensive Cedar Point coaster, and the park's fourth longest. It will essentially give Cedar Point, once again, the title of park with most coasters with 17! It will also be the first Intamin coaster at Cedar Point with the newer over-the-shoulder restraint design, making it easier for larger riders (like me) to ride!

However, 2007 season pass information for Cedar Point itself has yet to be released. If you live at another Cedar Fair park, like Kings Island, Michigan's Adventure, Kings Dominion, or Valleyfair!, you can get your Cedar Fair Maxx Pass for $125 or less and enjoy Maverick...

New for 2007 at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Just a few minutes ago, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari announced their 2007 plans.

Bakuli

our new family water slide in Splashin' Safari. Bakuli (pronounced bah-COOL-ee) is the Swahili word for "bowl" and that is exactly where this takes you—swirling round and round in a huge, colorful bowl! Start seven stories up and climb into a four-person cloverleaf raft. You'll be launched into a very dark, very steep tunnel that's full of surprises. You know how The Voyage has three 90-degree curves? So does Bakuli!

And you know how Zinga flings you into a huge funnel? Bakuli drops you into a gigantic purple, green and yellow bowl that measures 60 feet across! Around and around the high-banked bowl you'll slide and then drop into one last tunnel. Are where do you end up? Right in the middle of the island at Bahari River! Bakuli will (dare we say it?) bowl you over, it's so much fun!

Turkey Whirl

Over the river and through the woods, in Holiday World, there's a new ride being cooked up for our Thanksgiving section. Your entire family will want to take a spin on the Turkey Whirl! This new themed tilt-a-whirl is truly fun gone a-fowl. And the only leftovers will be your laughter!

Plymouth Rock Cafe
Originally set to be completed in 2006, this cafeteria-style restaurant will serve Thanksgiving-style dinners. Not sure if a gravy buffet will be included, though.

Bakuli image courtesy Holiday World & Spalshin' Safari


Also, tomorrow, Cedar Point will announce the details of the closely watched 2007 project, which is an Intamin steel coaster with inversions, and is said to have up to two LIM launches.

And don't forget that Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg announced Griffon, the world's first B&M floorless dive coaster - reaching heights of 200' and over 70 mph - and 90 degree drops. Yet another quality thrilling coaster at a quality theme park.

2007 Season Pass Sales are now ON!

Looking at the forums, I've found out that you can now buy 2007 season passes through Kings Island now.
Kings Island
- There will still be the basic KI only pass at $75, and the Junior/Senior pass for $50.
- Cedar Fair Maxx Pass is also available at $125, but unlike before, there will be a Junior/Senior version of this pass available for $80. Maxx Pass offers admission to all of Cedar Fair's ride parks, including Cedar Point and Geauga Lake.
- A new version is now available: the Cedar Fair Maxx Plus Pass! Maxx Plus offers admission to Kings Island, all ride parks, and now, the separately gated water parks (Knott's Soak City, CP Soak City, and Oceans of Fun). $150 Adults, $75 Junior/Senior.

Cincinnati's park isn't the only one doing this now...
Michigan's Adventure is now selling their 2007 passes.
MiAdv offers the Regular, Maxx, and Maxx Plus passes, too, but also now a MiAdv+Cedar Point pass for $105.

Valleyfair! is now selling '07 passes for $75. They, like KI and MA, are one park only, but offer a Maxx upgrade for only $10 more. Nothing mentioning the Maxx Plus, though.

The real kicker, though comes from Canada's Wonderland. Passes there will ONLY be valid at that park - no Maxx Passes will be available in Canada.

So far, no information yet from other parks, including Cedar Point, Geauga Lake, Kings Dominion, Dorney Park (where it's Dorney Time!), Et Cetera...

BTW, the BIG announcement regarding the 2007 Project at Cedar Point is coming Thursday, September 7 - expect 2007 season pass info to be relased then, too.

Bush and the CNN Ladies' Room

You may be seeing President Bush speaking on the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, but you are also hearing Kyra Phillips in the CNN Ladies' Room. And you thought Bush's live mic at the G8 Summit was shocking...

HS Football Update

The time of year is finally here. Today at Nippert Stadium at the UC campus is the Crosstown Showdown: Ryle playing Glen Este, then after 1pm, Lakota East will play LaSalle. The big game of the day is Covington Catholic vs. Elder at 4:30. Will the Panthers have a strong season after two weak ones, after two consecutive state titles, then last year going 4-6?
Because of the Huber Heights teacher strike, the St. Xavier vs. Wayne game originally scheduled for tonight was played Thursday at St. Xavier - the Bombers won 52-14. There will be no fourth game replacement. Tickets are $12 at the gate, so come on down to the beautiful Clifton campus, see the completed MainStreet and Varsity Village, and see some great high school football! Lots of parking available in the garages.

Cedar Fair: New for 2007

Confirmed:
Cedar Point: Maverick: IntaRide steel looping coaster, with lims, on White Water Landing site.
Valleyfair!: Renegade: GCI wooden coaster, Millennium Flyer trains.
Geauga Lake: Removal of X-Flight to another Cedar Fair park.
Kings Dominion: WaterWorks expansion: second wave pool, family play house, ProSlide Tornado? (Not officially announced, but listed in '07 Career Days brochure on park site)
Knott's Berry Farm: Timberland Twister, Mack Spinning Coaster in Camp Snoopy

Rumored:
Canada's Wonderland: Water park expansion, make-over into Boomerang Bay. (Rename/retheme unlikely, since KD is keeping WaterWorks name despite expansion) Kids Area/Nickelodon Makeover as well?
Kings Island: Bunch of things: X-flight from Geauga Lake... Return of flying scooters... New dining options?
Geauga Lake: Redevelopment of former Hurricane Hanna's water park site, new slides for Wildwater Kingdom, Coasters Drive-In?
Carowinds: Coaster?
Dorney Park: Racing slide at Wildwater Kingdom
Michigan's Adventure: Mad Mouse midway rehab, new ride in, some flats out... X-Flight?
Great America: Kids Area/Nickelodon Makeover. Makeover coming to Orleans Place as well?
Worlds of Fun: Unknown.

Now the KI 2007 Passes AREN'T for sale yet...

Looks like the folks in Sandusky have yet to get their act together with the 2007 passes...

First, it's announced that Canada's Wonderland is going to sell passes this week, but they will no longer be accepted at other parks.

Then, supposedly, Kings Island passholders won't get free parking, even if they are renewals.

Now this:

Canada's Wonderland 2007 pass page is blank.
Kings Island's gives a notice:

2007 Season Passes are currently unavailable for sale via web, phone or at the park. Please check this web site periodically for updates as they become available. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

So, if you're dreaming of a Maxx Pass, print one out for yourself right now!

Pricing for the 2007 Passes at KI.

Gold Passes: Valid only at Kings Island
Adult: 74.95, Child/Senior: $44.95

Cedar Fair Maxx Pass: Valid at ALL 12 Cedar Fair amusement parks
All Ages: $124.95

Parking: $34.95 per pass - Free for renewing 2006 passholders when purchased by by October 29, 2006.

Kings Island announces 2007 Season Passes

From the "PKI" web site:

2007 Season Passes on Sale Friday, Aug. 25, 2006

3 Great Pass Options - 2 Parks for the Price of One!


ADULT GOLD PASS

Everyone Gets Gold! Enjoy over 80 rides, shows & attractions, including Nickeodeon Universe and the award winning Boomerang Bay Water Park Resort! Plus, get the rest of the 2006 season and all of the 2007 season with all the great Gold Pass Perks:

· FREE 2006 Fearfest & Nick or Treat
· Early Ride Times
· Walk on Weekends
· Bring-A-Friend FREE Days
· Meal Deals
· Priority Concert Seating


CHILD / SENIOR GOLD PASS

Get all the same great passholder perks and benefits. For person’s under 48” tall or ages 60 and over. $20 less than the 2006 Child/Senior Pass! Height and age determined at time of processing when photo I.D. is made.


NEW! Cedar Fair Maxx Pass

A Cedar Fair Maxx Pass gives passholders access to Paramount's Kings Island for the rest of the 2006 season, and all of the 2007 season with all the Gold Pass Perks! This pass also gives guests access to all 12 Cedar Fair ride amusement parks (including 3 in Ohio) for the 2007 season, including:

Kings Island, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio; Geauga Lake near Cleveland, Ohio; Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California; Dorney Park near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri; Michigan's Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina; Great America, Santa Clara, California and Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, Ontario.


FREE PARKING FOR RENEWING PASSHOLDERS!

How does the Chicago "Big Box" law affect low-income residents, inner city?

Big Box Rebellion Wall Street Journal

Well, that didn't take long. Just as Mayor Richard Daley and these columns predicted, the law recently passed by Chicago's City Council requiring a super-minimum wage is driving big retailers out of the city.

Target was the first big chain to react, recently cancelling plans to open a new superstore in a run-down area on the city's North side. Only a few months ago the project was hailed by city leaders as an anchor for redeveloping that depressed neighborhood. Now it gets to stay depressed. Wal-Mart has also announced that its plans to build 20 new stores in the city over the next five years are "on hold" until the wage issue is resolved.

This isn't what the politicians said would happen when they mandated that certain mostly non-union "big-box" retailers pay a minimum of $13 in wage and health benefits by 2010, or more than two-and-a-half times the national minimum wage. "This is a great day for working men and women of Chicago," said Alderman Joseph Moore, who sponsored the ordinance but clearly doesn't think very far ahead, if he thinks at all. The Council was warned that stores would flee to the suburbs or not be built. But instead it heeded such activists as Annette Bernhardt, chief economist at New York University Law School, who claimed that "We're very confident that retailers want and need to be in Chicago." Whoops.

This liberal red-lining may yet be overcome by common sense. Mayor Daley seems intent on vetoing the bill, which he says would result in higher property taxes to compensate for lost sales-tax revenue once stores leave. Alderman Shirley Coleman voted for the law but has since changed her mind now that a Wal-Mart in her district may never be built. At least three other aldermen who voted for the measure are also reportedly now open to giving Mr. Daley the votes he needs to sustain his veto.

The entire "living-wage" movement is the latest product of upper-income politicians who want to stick it to non-union companies in the name of helping the poor. But the working poor lose twice in Chicago: first, in lost retail jobs and then in less access to low-cost goods. Alderman Carrie Austin, who represents the area where the Target store was supposed to locate, puts it this way: "My colleagues are saying, 'Don't worry they [the big box retailers] will come.' Well, mine just left."

We all know well the battle between those who love and those who hate big-box retail. A great opportunity to build these stores on brownfields and other vacant sites, probably even build more urban-friendly stores, and create jobs (which pay more as one advances), seems to be going out the window. Instead of helping to improve the big box, some politicals have decided to oddly enough stick to status quo in the name of "change."

Kings Island lays off 15

Cincinnati Enquirer article

Kings Island said it has laid off 15 employees as its new owner Cedar Fair restructures and integrates the amusement park into its operations.

Sandusky-based Cedar Fair, which also owns Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm, said the move on Thursday eliminated some overlapping functions since two new managers have assumed oversight.

"A number of duplicated positions were reduced by the company here yesterday," said Maureen Kaiser, a park spokeswoman, who added the 15 managers and other employees received severance packages.

What about "Paramount?"

While mulling the future direction of its acquired parks, Cedar Fair has indicated in government filings that it doesn't plan to rename the park, noting its "strong local brand." The company said Kings Island did $108 million worth of business last year.

After opening this year the largest collection of Nickelodeon-inspired attractions at any amusement park before the takeover, Cedar Fair has also signaled in filings that it plans to keep the features.

The company, however, has indicated it might reduce its association with Paramount - including such Kings Island rides as the Italian Job and Top Gun - after the current season after studying customer opinion. Such a change would cut the company's royalty expenses.

While there's no official move/announcement on the Paramount name, here's some hints:

Latest from Apple: Leopard Preview, and Launch of Mac Pro and Intel XServe

(OS News)

Prior to the 2006 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, rumors swirled around about a "dizzying" amount of new products to be unveiled.

Now, at the WWDC in San Francisco, it was announced by CEO Steve Jobs that the first peek at the latest version of Mac OS X, Leopard, is now out, as are the first Pro-level versions of the desktop and server models using the Intel processors.

First of all, Jobs announced the Mac Pro, a dual dual-core machine with 64bit 2.66Ghz Woodcrest processors. The processors have 4MB of shared L2 cache, with 128bit vector engines. The machine is "1.6 to 2.1" times faster than the G5 quad. Because of the reduced cooling system, there is now space for four hard drives and a 2nd optical drive. Inside the machine has been completely redesigned; on the outside, it is basically the same. There is one standard configuration, which costs USD 2499.

Next up, Jobs announced the new Xserve. The new Xserve's specifications are similar to those of the Mac Pro, and still has the 1U footprint. Apple says the machine is 5 times faster than the previous Xserve. With this announcement, the transition to Intel is complete.

And if you're waiting for Windows to catch up to Mac OS X, bring a ton of books to read! By the time Vista comes out, OS 10.5 (better known as Leopard) will likely be out! The newest features and upgrades:

Leopard will support running 32bit application side-by-side with 64bit applications. Other than that, applications can be run completely in 64bit, and a 64bit Carbon UI is also available;
A feature called 'Time Machine' will be available; it's an automated back-up solution that lets you switch back to older revisions of files, or of entire harddrives. Back-up can be done towards a remote server or a local harddisk. However, the biggest feature of Time Machine is that you can enter specific dates into Finder windows, after which the directory will appear as it was on that specific date. Time Machine is Spotlight-enabled, so you can search through documents in the past. Update: A similar solution exists for Linux, called 'Dervish';
Boot Camp will be included in Leopard;
Leopard will have virtual desktops (Apple calls them spaces), with drag and drop support;
Spotlight will be capable of searching through files on remote machines (if you have the proper permissions);
Apple also introduced a new core technology of OS X, namely, Core Animation, which allows developers to easily integrate fancy animations into their applications. The live feeds were a little unclear as to what Core Animation specifically is; I believe it does a whole lot more than animations, but it was hard to figure out from just text feeds;
Leopard will focus on accessibility; it will have better text-to-speech functionality, closed captions in Quicktime, etc.;
Apple has added system-wide to-do's and notes into Leopard; any application can create notes and to-do's. For example, you can turn an email that just arrived into a to-do;
Dashcode helps to design, develop, and debug Dashboard widgets;
Webclip allows you to create widgets out of any part of a webpage;
iChat will see some serious enhancements, such as multiple logins, animated user icons, video recording, and tabbed chats. Besides those, the iChat Theater allows you to i.e. watch photos with your contacts or doing a Keynote presentation, while holding an a/v conversation;
Xcode 3.0 will be released today.

Missing from the conference were the anticipated iPhone and a new iPod. Of course, the year isn't quite over yet, so I'd be surprised if there weren't the release of a new iPod prior to the holiday/Christmas season.

Bad fans at the Bengals game? Call 381-JERK

Bengals Offer "Jerk" Hotline (WCPO Channel 9)

For the first time, the Bengals are offering a tip line for fans to call to report unruly behavior.

The hotline number is 381-JERK.

It will be set up and ready to go at this Sunday's pre-season game.

The Bengals said they've started this new approach after seeing a rise in bad behavior last season.

There were more fights and beer bottles being thrown, so this year they decided to do something about it.

While the Bengals had a winning season last year, some fans walked away from Paul Brown Stadium with a bitter taste in their mouths after spending time with unruly fans.

It's about bleeping time. Why people would spend hundreds, even thousands to see a football, and then to get drunk and rude is beyond me. I see people cramming bars to get tanked, why don't the Bengals and the NFL put a disclaimer warning to people entering the stadium?

Also: Getting tough on boorish fans (Cincinnati Enquirer)

"You can get a lot of abuse with these things," (Bob) Bedinghaus said. "If you get 6,000 people calling this line - 'Hey, Ben Roethlisberger is a jerk' - then it becomes less effective. The thing to remember is we have caller ID on this line. So if you're crank calling, we are going to be able to ID who you are."

Who's the real jerk, the one with the Super Bowl ring, or the one with 2 Bud Lights in each hand?! Seriously though, sports needs to take a look at its relationship with alcohol: the balance between profit boosts and alcohol's potentially dangerous side effects.

Happy Birthday to Six Flags!

If you have set foot inside a Six Flags park this year, like I have, you may have noticed signs celebrating a "45th Anniversary."

The exact anniversary is today, August 4, when Six Flags over Texas opened in 1961. Texas has been under six different governments, and officials originally called it "Texas under Six Flags," but some felt that the name might have been coined by Debbie Downer. The Arlington, TX park was among the first of many regional theme parks that would open across America in the next two decades. While the parent company is a troubled time now, they list the original Six Flags park as one of its "core" protected/safe properties. So...

Happy Birthday Six Flags! Here's hoping the next one is better...

AOL going free

America Online (AOL), who has been facing the loss of customers, and customer service nightmares, most notably account cancellation, is now offering its service for FREE. Anyone using the service along with a separate internet connection (DSL/Cable/Broadband or dial-up) is no longer charged a monthly fee. Those needing a dial-up connection now pay only $9.95 to get AOL. Because of the changing internet user and technology, not to mention what the market offers, AOL is having to reinvent itself.

Son of Beast to be partly rebuily

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/308040024

Part of the Son of Beast roller coaster at Paramount’s Kings Island must be taken apart and rebuilt under state supervision, a time-consuming process that raises questions about whether the ride will reopen this season.

“If they want to operate it again, that’s what they have to do,” said Melanie Wilt, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the state agency that regulates amusement park rides.

The Son of Beast has been closed since July 9 when 27 people were injured after a particularly rough ride. On Friday, Wilt said the problem has been narrowed down to three possible structural issues: wood strength, maintenance or design.

Inspectors found a cracked vertical support beam in the double helix part of the coaster the day after the accident. Inspectors say that might have contributed to the big jolt riders described.

Kings Island must now take apart a small section of the ride, including pieces surrounding that cracked beam. Those pieces must be turned over to the state for analysis. Meanwhile, the park would have to rebuild that section and test the new portion under the supervision of an independent engineer hired by the state.

Man dies after riding Goliath at SFOG

Disney World deaths on Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Mission Space.

Mishaps at Kings Island and Kings Dominion.

Man dies after riding Gwazi at Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa, FL).

Several other injuries/mishaps.

Now a death on the new Goliath at Six Flags over Georgia.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Cobb County authorities say a 45-year-old man died of an apparent heart attack after becoming unconscious during a roller coaster ride at Six Flags amusement park.

Fire Lt. Dan Dupree said authorities were called to the park about noon Thursday after the man lost consciousness while on the park's newest roller coaster — Goliath.

Dupree said firefighters arrived to see Emergency Medical Services workers and employees of the park treating a man who was suffering from cardiac arrest. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not released his name.

So far, not a great year for amusement parks - especially since many of these weren't necessarily due to rider misconduct - nor operator error.

MVRPC director Robinette retires early

A surprising move at MVRPC in Dayton, where I was a planning co-op in 2002 and 2003:

DAYTON — As a cost-saving measure last October, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission Director Mike Robinette recommended an early retirement incentive plan to the agency's board.

Last week, Robinette surprised the board when he took advantage of the retirement plan and announced he was leaving the agency.

Although the early retirement plan will save the agency money, the terms and the late notice of Robinette's retirement rankled some top officers.

Miami County Commissioner Ron Widener, chairman of the agency board when the early retirement plan was proposed and approved, said he was "very uncomfortable" with the terms of Robinette's retirement.

More of the article at Dayton Daily News - Registration required, free of charge

OH Supreme Ct: Norwood Abused Eminent Domain

Enquirer - Eminent Domain Abused

The city of Norwood cannot take property by eminent domain to give to a private developer, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled today.

In holding parts of Ohio’s eminent domain law unconstitutional, the state’s highest court set a different course than the U.S. Supreme Court did in its landmark Kelo v. New London decision last year.

There, the Supreme Court ruled that a Connecticut city’s taking of property for economic development was constitutional – but made clear that state constitutions could set different standards for property rights.

The Norwood case is expected to be closely watched around the country. It was the first major eminent domain case to reach a state Supreme Court since Kelo.

The case was brought by property owners Joseph Horney, Carl and Joy Gamble and Matthew F. Burton, who argued that the city should not be able to take their properties and deed them over to Rookwood Partners for a $125 million shopping and office complex.

Honestly, I understand both sides. The homeowners, whose homes are standing in an urban desert, should not lose their property just so someone else could build a "better development for the community." If the City of Norwood and developers had their way, there would be severe implications on private property across America - low to mid-income residents, churches and other religious buildings, and "less desirable" yet successful businesses, would become fair game.

On the other hand, Norwood, like other first-ring suburbs, as well as the City of Cincinnati, are facing great challenges. Many residents and businesses have left the older areas - moving to newer suburbs, creating sprawl. In order to keep the region healthy, the "heart" must too, remain healthy. Therefore, the inner city and its brownfields and depressed areas must redevelop. As someone schooled in urban planning, I know that we can't just ignore what's there and keep going outward.

Personally, I wish the three property owners would take the big money, and find a better place in a more stable neighborhood. The ever-increasing traffic and the closeness to I-71 is a sign to bail. The long awaited, appealing Rookwood Exchange could finally move forward as planned, and it would help turn a corner for Norwood. Ethically, I side with the property owners - they are exercising their rights as Americans. If the owners decide to keep their properties, then if the developers want to move forward, they'll have to make some big changes, and co-exist with the out-of-place houses - that are still home to others.

Slow News Day: Lance is Gay

Lance Bass, former member of boy band *NSYNC, has revealed that he is gay.

Let's see. A boy band member. Named Lance. Coming out. Who didn't see that coming?

Local connection: Lance has a relationship with Reichen Lemkuhl, who was born in Cincinnati. Lemkuhl won the Amazing Race a couple years ago with then-partner Chip Arndt. Reichen and Chip have since separated.

Winterfest: It's time to move on.

On Monday, folks at Kings Island and Cedar Fair finally confirmed the on-going rumors: Winterfest has been cancelled for 2006.

Of course, in January, people for PKI, then owned by CBS Corporation, were touting the success of the 2005 return. Then, in April, when the park opened for the regular season, they began to sell tickets for Winterfest for the great low price of $9.95. There was little chance that Winterfest would go back into the history books.

Then came "the announcement" about "the sale" in May. People were questioning, "What changes is Cedar Fair gonna make this season." The acquisition press release and conferences gave no solid answer, but tickets were still being sold, but quietly. Then again, "quietly" is how the winter holiday event's life for 2006 would seem to end. Soon, around when the keys to the park were given to Dick Kinzel and his guys, the in-park ads and brochure ads were taken out. Winterfest bears appeared as game prizes. Then ticket sales were pulled...

I, for one, was disappointed that Winterfest faded away for the second time. The opportunity to skate on that great Royal Fountain. Heartwarming songs and scenes on the KI & MV Railroad. Scrooge's hilarious bathroom jokes. One of the best live shows I've ever seen in the park, Santa's Toy Factory. And one of the tallest structures in the region transformed into a Christmas tree. Sadly, I'm going to have to wait at least a year to see these things again.

However, somebody dropped the ball. And I won't name Cedar Fair as one of the guilty parties.
First and foremost, the pricing. $25 at the gate? Season Passes were not accepted for entry, and sometimes, no discount for passholders? Specific-day tickets? $5 parking? $7 skating rink fee?
This is compared to 1982-92. Gate admission closer to $10. Season Passholders got in free. Free parking. Translation: successful.

However, compared to 1992, more area holiday events have popped up, and/or gotten better since then. The Beach Waterpark offered 4 admissions for $40 to their Holiday Fest. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods, where you don't have to get out of the car. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo was relatively affordable.
Also, peoples' views of Kings Island, as well as the makeup of the park itself, have changed. In the early 1990s, live shows were all around the park. There was a great collection of shopping and dining, more gentle rides for those of the youngest and oldest ages.
Now I know how PKI promotes itself as a family park, but sometimes, "family" does include 50, 60 and up. Have any of you ridden Runaway Reptar? Hint: it's a VEKOMA!

So, it seems they marketed it as "Winterfest is back by popular demand!' And again, like I said earlier, it was good! However, it wasn't the same Kings Island. I don't think they drove home enough that was filled with live entertainment - superior to that of other area winter attractions.

The people's response: As warm as the temperatures. I don't think many wanted to pay $30 or so to go to a cold Kings Island without thrill rides. Carowinds, another Paramount park, held their own Winterfest. At least they had the opportunity to run their B&M inverted coaster, Top Gun. Still, a Charlotte paper captioned one scene: "Waliking in an Empty Wonderland."

In defense of Winterfest, Kings Island was located in an area that was very accessible to many. Its layout was that of a theme park: great for a winter village event. This is compared to when Cedar Point held its first and only Christmas in the Park in 1994. Can you say a winter desert? Add horrible winds and temps along Lake Erie, and the smaller town that is Sandusky - just wasn't going to work. I think that if Cedar Fair were to price Winterfest right, it would have been a hit this year.

But here is the meat of this entry: At least for 2006, Cedar Fair's decision is final. No looking back. Any attempt to try to get Cedar Fair executives to reverse course will be futile (I feel like I'm quoting a Carowinds coaster's slogan). Rather than try to tweak a shaky winter event, I believe that it will be best for new ownership to spend the time to get the park up to Cedar Fair standards. My bet is that once early to mid-April 2007 comes, Kings Island will be a better park than it has in several years. A cleaner, friendlier, more efficient park.

There are some that wish that Cedar Fair will bring back KI to its pre-Paramount glory days. But for some of the mis-steps I believe that previous owners made, the park is still very successful. While I believe that things will be more consistent, some of the old charm the park had has faded away, and may likely never come back.
Now, I would love for them to bring back the old 1972-92 logo - very beautiful and sorta resembles Cincinnati's German heritage (yes, I took a class at UC related to that). This is one roll-back I hope Cedar Fair does, they can't go wrong with a classic.

But when all is said and done here, Winterfest isn't coming back this year. And I'm OK with that. Let's move on, and look forward to the rest of the operating season, and of course, 2007.

No Winterfest for 2006.

The speculation is over:

NEWS RELEASE

Paramount's Kings Island TM Cancels WinterFest for 2006 Season

Company makes business decision to table WinterFest.

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio - Paramount's Kings Island announced today that WinterFest will not take place during the 2006 season.

The business decision comes at a time when the organization is focused on providing a world-class experience during its core season, which includes the spring, summer and fall months.

Guests who have pre-purchased WinterFest tickets have automatically been refunded.

Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: "FUN") is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership, which owns and operates twelve amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, Toronto, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri and Michigan.

Also: Dayton Daily News (regisration is required but free of charge)

St. Louis storms: 500,000 lose power, dozens injured at Busch Stadium

Almost 500,000 without power in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Powerful storms with rain and strong winds left nearly half a million homes and businesses without power early Thursday as the region braced for another day of 100-degree heat. Power officials said it could take five days to restore electricity.

The summer storm that tore through the Midwest on Wednesday ripped off a section of airport roof and dumped it on an interstate, blew windows out of a hotel restaurant and baseball stadium press box and injured more than 30 people. At least three St. Louis-area buildings partially collapsed.

The city's light rail system, down for several hours, was running again by the Thursday morning rush hour, but at least 450,000 customers were still without power, according to utility company AmerenUE.

"This is one of the worst storms we can all remember to hit the city of St. Louis in recent years," St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said.

It could take three to five days to fully restore power to St. Louis, officials with AmerenUE said Thursday morning.

A test for the new baseball stadium:

Many of the injuries were to baseball fans waiting for a St. Louis Cardinals-Atlanta Braves game at the new Busch Stadium.

Winds near 80 mph blew out press box windows and ripped the tarp, injuring at least 30 people, five of whom were taken to hospitals, said Norm Corley, a supervisor with Accu-Care, which handles medical issues at the stadium.

I knew one of the biggest complaints about the old Busch Stadium was the lack of wind circulation. Now this...

Patrons were evacuated at the rooftop restaurant at the downtown Millennium Hotel after winds blew out windows in the restaurant, which sits near the Gateway Arch.

This happened just after the singing of the national anthem. Hopefully Roseanne Barr wasn't singing...

I guess the good news out of this is that the Cardinals won 8-3, avoiding a sweep by the Atlanta Braves. The Cardinals continue to lead the NL Central by 3.5 games over the Reds.

Has the last Winterfest already been held... again?

There is great speculation that Kings Island's classic Christmas holiday event, brought back last year after a decade's-plus hiatus, won't be held in 2006 and in future years.

After great promotion and great reviews, Kings Island's revival of Winterfest in 2005 was considered a success by the park, then owned by Viacom.

Then, at the beginning of the 2006 season, the park is owned by CBS Corporation (Viacom split into two, and a new Viacom was created, CBS being the new name of the old corporation). PKI starts selling advance tickets to the 2006 Winterfest for only $9.99. The event is advertised in park brochures, and by posters throughout the park.

Then, on June 30, Kings Island has yet another owner. Cedar Fair, L.P. completes its acquisition of Paramount Parks. Shortly after:

- The park is no longer selling Winterfest tickets.
- All in-park advertising of Winterfest has been removed.
- Plush bears with the Winterfest logo are being given away as prizes at the "Age & Weight" game on Coney Mall.

There are many conflicting theories, answers, and statements going on now, such as the thread on PKI Central.

For the return of Winterfest:
- Good reviews from those who went
- Cedar Fair has the opportunity to improve upon the event, make it better, bring in more guests than 2005.
- Stopping ticket sales may be a publicity stunt to get guests to demand the event happens.
- The last time it was held, prior to the hiatus: Paramount acquired Kings Island in 1992, prior to November, when the event began that year. They were good enough to honor a prior commitment, so why wouldn't Cedar Fair do the same?
- One of the most frequently asked questions the park recieved was "When are you bringing back Winterfest?" Why drop it again?
- CF may be dropping the "Paramount's" prefix from the park prior to Winterfest. They may even include the event as part of 2007 season passes.

Against Winterfest's return:
- Low attendance, especially due to season passes not being included, and high admission price ($25). In the beginning, passholders got discounts, but they weren't substantial enough.
- The event, especially now, is by no means sold out!
- Not only did they pull ticket sales, they pulled all promotion of Winterfest!
- Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, tried a Christmas event in 1994. I won't go into details, but it was the last "Christmas in the Park" CP held. Why risk it again with KI (and Carowinds, who had the event in '05 as well)?
- If so many wanted Winterfest back, why didn't they come in droves?

As one park spokesperson said, "Stay tuned."