Wiki-Park!

Wiki-Park 2

It's Kandiyohi Park!

Our wooden coaster is Holliday Creek, made by São João de Areias, Inc.

There's also the Melbourne Town Hall Experience, a Well-formed XML document production steel coaster.

Don't forget the 2XXX ride, Joseph Maria Olbrich!

We also won the Golden Ticket Award for Michael Puckerin!



Wiki-Park 3

Anti-centromere antibodies Gardens

M577 A.P.C. Wooden Roller Coaster, designed by Maconaquah High School (Bunker Hill, Indiana)
Octol steel coaster, made by Cosmorama.

2XXX ride: Mountain rainbowfish

Alfred R. Gaul Golden Ticket



Park 4
Aan tafel Park
Zambian Theatre The Ride, by Tony Newton
Skyscraper Magazine The Ride, by Inverness-shire, Inc.
2xxx: Samson Smythe
Golden Ticket for Agriş River (Valea Baciului)



Park 5
List of asteroids/148701–148800
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, by Pat Du Pré
Verrado, by Mark Russinovich
2xxx: Biblical studies
GTA: Marion Marshall (author)

PARK 6:
West Lothian Council election, 2007
Uvs Province, by Berre-l'Étang
Shooting Star (comics) by Inorganic growth
Come ride the Jalometalli Metal Music Festival!
We also won the Golden Ticket Award for River Gowy!

The Day before Thanksgiving: A Review.

My morning was spent on "the paper from hell," also known as a paper for Architecture History class. Oddly enough, I had 2 hours of sleep, turned the paper in, and made it to the lecture hall just less than five minutes late, and missed nothing, as teacher evaluations were given out. Then came a near two-hour lecture. I have to admit, I don't have a beef with the lecture material, it just seems that the stuff flies by you, and this time, I'm so close to falling asleep.

About an hour later, I had my studio crit... nothing great, nothing real bad, either.

I go to the express dining place for lunch... let me just say that history class and studio crit was a much more pleasant experience. Nobody told me that they hired the Deli Nazi. I hate to say this, but I'm glad that Dining Services is closed until monday at OSU, some of the people there act like disgruntled amusement park employees.

Now, I'm free for the next few days, and I head downtown to COSI, which is the big "science museum" in Ohio. It's a place that people I knew in grade school went to, except oddly enough my classmates and myself. Today was "Annual Free Day," which let me check the place out for no charge, and it gave me a great walk across the Scioto River from Broad & High. COSI is located at the former Central High School, which closed in 1982 and sat abandoned for almost 20 years until COSI renovated and expanded it in 1999. Much of the front building of the old CHS, including the foyer and even a stairwell were preserved as part of this otherwise state-of-the-art project. Also free was the giant screen movie, which is sort of an IMAX format, "Hurricane on the Bayou," which was a film that the Omnimax at Cincinnati Union Terminal had previously shown. It was a great film, but having slept for 2 hours within the past 32, it was hard to stay awake for this 45 minute film.

My last stop is the Giant Eagle north of campus... I see my studio professor, but does he see me? I'm shopping there because the convenient yet salty (and I don't mean by the food), and it's a good workout at the supermarket. However, I try to use the redbox DVD rental machine, like bigg's has in Cincinnati, and I have to cope with this lady and her 2 daughters who can't decide on something... "But it's rated 'R'" I want to shout "THEY'RE ALL RATED 'R'!!"" Finally, the woman says to one of them, "go ahead and cry." and I out loud say "I know who's going to cry, me, when I miss my bus!" Not much something Giant Eagle nor redbox can do... Makes me want to visit Blockbuster for once.

Joe Nuxhall, 1928-2007

Today is a sad day for Reds fans, Cincinnati, and pretty much all of baseball. Last night, Joe Nuxhall passed away at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield after a long battle with lymphoma. We had been hoping for a nice recovery, but it seems things turned for the worse as of Thursday, when he later died that night, and his passing would make its way onto the news wire earlier this morning.

Most of us knew of Joe as Marty Brennaman's broadcaster partner for over thirty years, also handling some of the broadcasts up to this year on a part-time basis. Nux is also famous for being the youngest major league player at the age of 15 for the Reds in 1944. The "'ol left hander" spent some time as a pitcher until the 1960s, when he began broacasting with different partners, including Al Michaels, until Marty joined in 1974. Not only was Nux associated with the Reds and Cincinnati, the Hamilton native had lived in Fairfield since the 1970s, and in recent years had a foundation, which the Reds will continue to be a partner of.

I never got to personally meet Joe, but have heard him so many times outside of the broadcast booth, including in commercials with Marty for Kroger, and I last saw him on stage at Redsfest last year. I'm sure that this year's Redsfest will be a somber one, on December 7 and 8 at Duke Energy Center. In honor of Joe, the lights at Great American Ball Park have been turned off, except for the sign along Fort Washington Way, that is of Nux's most famous quote, "Rounding Third And Heading For Home." His statue on Crosley Terrace at the ball park has also been illuminated, and is set up for flowers as a memorial.

Back from Mirror Lake

Well folks, I did it. I jumped into Mirror Lake at the OSU campus, nearly naked, for one second. Yeah, I didn't experience to its fullest, as I was completely sober. Of course, there were thousands of other OSU guys and gals doing it, much more drunk, and for a longer period of time, and much louder. It's all about the craziness of the "Beat Michigan Week," as a few hours earler, there was a pep rally underneath the Stadium south stands, with dancing, prizes, cheers, and the football captains, Kirk Barton, Vernon Gholston, and James Laurinaitis* All followed by some craziness and a whole bunch of O-H, "We Don't Give A Damn About The Whole State of Michigan"**, and F**k Michigan*** cheers and shirts. I hope to do this full force next year.


Not long before my going in, I shot some pictures videos of this annual tradition, which takes place the Thursday before the game against the Wolverines. The game's in Ann Arbor this time, but I'll be sure to get season tickets to get to see the rivalry in person in Columbs next year.

* "Tom Allen. I know him, he said hi to me once!" -J. Laurinaitis
** Compared to Kings Island, Cedar Point, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, Michigan has some lousy cities and amusement parks.
*** I'll put this in the uncensored form in "The Locker Room." I try to keep this particular blog mainstream and work safe.

My long-awaited return, now in Columbus.

It's been a long summer since I was last here, and a lot has happened since then. I've started and left a part-time job, ridden the new Maverick at Cedar Point, ridden coasters at Geauga Lake for the last time ever, traveled to our nation's capital to ride coasters, see baseball, the Simpsons Movie, and ride their great Metro, and a few other things.

Oh, and for the first time in over 20 years, I've relocated, though it's not truly on permanent basis. I've relocated to The Ohio State University in Columbus, and am studying in the 3+-year Master of Architecture program at Knowlton School of Architecture. Making this move, I believe, and hope, will be one of the best decisions I have ever made. I needed a change of scenery, and it's not too bad, living on the 11th floor of the Graduate Tower on campus. Not only is there a nice view of the campus from above, the view to the south of Downtown Columbus is awesome.

I don't have a car, and honestly, knowing what my first 2/3 of the year has been for me, that can't be too bad, since I can either walk or take COTA, Columbus' bus system to some places. There's a good shuttle out to a shopping center with Target, AMC Theatres, Staples, and other stores. The bus up and down High Street is also great, especially to go to Short North district, the Arena District, Downtown, and north to Clintonville. Downtown has some great pros (and cons), with the Arena District, some good high-rises, theatres, and the like. However, the state of Columbus City Center (mall) has been depressing for the past several years, especially when Lazarus closed its great downtown store. Now Macy's (formerly Kaufmann's) is closing... It's odd how Cincinnati now seems to have the most vibrant downtown now.

As for the schooling, you could say "challenging" would be a nice word to describe it. Up to 12 hours a week in group critique sessions, and "banal" being the new "bullsh**..." it's not combat duty in Iraq, but it can be rough. But like our servicemen and women overseas, I think my role and hard work will mean something one day.

SNL Maya Anthem lyrics

Joe Buck: (Sudeikis) It's Game Five of the World Series at the new Busch Stadium in Downtown St. Louis. (Aerial and outside shot of new Busch shown before shoing the booth)
And it's just about time to sing the national anthem.
Tim McCarver: (Samberg?) That's right Joe. And singing tonight is Pamela Bell, winner of local grocery store Schnucks Anthem Idol contest.
Buck: I hear the girl can sing.
McCarver: Well, let's go to the field.
PA Announcer: (Hammond?) Ladies and Gentlemen, here tonight to honor our country by singing the national anthem, Please welcome Pamela Bell!

Pamela Bell: (Maya Rudolph)
Oh... say... 'an oo 'ee
By the dawn's early liightt...
D'what.. so proudly we hail-ail-ail-ed
At the twilight's.. last gleaming
Whose broad stripes... and right roars
(Gibberish in place of 'through the perilous fight')
O'er the ramrods... we watched
Mumbles 'were so gallantly streaming'
Speaking: And the rocket's... red glare
The bombs bursting... up in the air!
(pinches) Gave a little ploop
(Singing) Through the ba-night
That our flag was still there (wavering)
For it's one, two, nee strikes you're out
And the home... ay-yi-yi-yi.....
ay-yi-yi-yi.....
(Buck and McCarver picking ears, in disbelief)
The bra aaa aaaa (like a bee) vve...
B to the R to the A to the V to the E
B-B-B-B-B (engine stuttering) - Braaavve!!!
Thank you!

West (Virginia) wins NIT championship

I'm not really celebrating the Mountaineers being the 66th best team in men's college basketball, but West (Rhymes with proper name for female genitalia) shamelessly celebrated their big win...

Deadspin: original post - another image

YTMND

Cincinnati-Dayton: the Midwest's Dallas-Fort Worth?

Will expansion bring growth - or gridlock? (Enquirer article)

This 17-mile stretch of highway is where Cincinnati and Dayton will finally come together.

Farmlands along Interstate 75 are being replaced by an explosion of shopping plazas, hospitals, homes, schools, offices and distribution centers.

Planners have long predicted that someday the outskirts of Cincinnati and Dayton would merge, much like Dallas-Fort Worth. That "someday" appears close.

Experts predict the resulting megalopolis of about 3 million people would count as the nation's 15th-largest market.
-----
While politicians and business leaders envision growth in mostly positive terms, environmentalists see more sprawl and gridlock.

"All that ever happens is the road will become congested again and they will have to widen it," says Enid Nagel, chairperson for the Sierra Club's Ohio chapter. "It's a never-ending cycle, and it's bad for the environment."

The big question to add: What about the city centers of Cincinnati and Dayton themselves?

Winter SOAR Saturday at Kings Island

Heads up coaster and park lovers! Southern Ohio's annual winter meeting, Winter SOAR, will be held at Kings Island this Saturday, March 3!
Things get started at 5 PM with a construction tour of Firehawk, the new (from Geauga Lake) Vekoma Flying Dutchman coaster next to Flight of Fear. Then, around 6PM, activities move up into the International Restaurant for pizza and soda, followed by presentations by members, as well as by parks in and around the region.
This event is open to American Coaster Enthusiasts members and their guests - registration is $8 at the gate, including the food!

NOTE: Remember to bring an extra pair of shoes for the construction tour, no mud in the restaurant!

Flyer: http://aceonline.org/flyers/WinterSOAR2007.pdf
NOTE: The park is no longer known as Paramount's Kings Island, so don't complain if I look at you funny if you say "PKI."

Costco ends liberal return policy on electronics

Chicago Tribune article (free registration may be required)

It was a return policy made in shopper heaven, but it became hellish for Costco Wholesale Corp.

Customers at the membership warehouse chain could buy a snazzy big-screen TV, use it indefinitely and take it back anytime. They could use their refund to buy a newer model — often for a cheaper price.

Costco's generous policy was a big hit with consumers. "It was probably the best return policy in retail," said Jamil Brush, a 30-year-old Los Angeles claims examiner. "They pretty much would take back anything."

But even grateful shoppers suspected that others were abusing the policy. After all, Brush added, "what, basically, would stop someone from buying something, using it for a little bit, and taking it back?"

This week, after losing "tens of millions of dollars" annually on the policy, Costco said enough.

Its return policy for consumer electronics was cut to 90 days in California. The policy will take effect nationwide over the next month. The changes come as many in the industry are rethinking return policies.

As a Costco member since 2000, it's a mixed bag for me. I've bought some electronics, including DVD recorders there, that I have had to return because of malfunctions, so I have been able to return them instead of being stuck with a paperweight, and/or wait for a repair.
However, other retailers have a lot more selection, and sometimes, better sale prices. I got a Sony DVD recorder, which for me so far has been ultra-reliable, though not from Costco.
Above all, I realize that Costco is a business, and while it's nice to have a lenient return policy because things can break after a little while, people do abuse it (although a small percentage). Because they are a business dedicated to cutting costs to deliver a low price as possible, I respect the decision.

Side note, Costco's biggest competitor, Sam's Club, still has a 100% percent policy, except on computers, which is six months. Costco itself went to a 6-month policy for computers not too long ago.

Reporting back from Chicago and more... finally.

I'm back from
- the Chicago Trip
- a CTA Train Tour
- the old Carson Pirie Scott store
- John Hancock Center Signature Lounge
- the original Pizzeria Uno
- More Train Tour
- UIC
- More Carson's
- Macy's formerly Marshall Field's
- Cheezborger cheezborger cheezborger
- IIT and Crown Hall
- Train and Bus tour
- United Center: Blackhawks vs. Predators
- Organ Tour with Frank Pellico
- Steppin' Out Friday Night with yet another Train Tour
- Checking out the Wrigleyville
- Train Tour back to the Hotel
- Go to the ACE No Coaster Con, and drive there...
- But only after, you guessed it. Train tour.
- Arrive at the Con. A/V Problems, what did you expect.
- John Robinson threw stuff at us again
- Maureen Kaiser freed from the Paramount shackles.
- Pizza fun at Giordano's
- Some drinks with coaster friends at the hotel
- Breakfast then, heading back home?
- Naw, ANOTHER TRAIN TOUR!!
- This time, Sears Tower!
- Low visibility, but gets better.
- Train tour back to the car
- Leave Chicago, but only before a snowstorm in northern Indiana
- Back home, tired as hell
- CACE February dinner at O'Charley's (already?!)
- Jason Aldean at Whiskey Dick's. Finally a reason to leave Chicago.

Coaster track spotted at Kings Island!

Bad news for Michigan's Adventure fans...


http://photos.pkicentral.com/thumbnails.php?album=180

Post-Hiatus, yet again.

Sorry for the disappearance again, but I am here, alive and well.

First big announcement, I will be traveling to Chicago on Thursday, to see the sights, take a train tour, visit some architecture schools, see some great hockey, and, of course, hear people talk for hours about roller coasters and amusement parks. I'll be back Sunday evening, with a full report later on.

Also, I can say that I am a happy football fan. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship at RCA Dome on Sunday, and are off to Super Bowl XLI in Miami to face... the Chicago Bears. Peyton Manning gets his big chance, but big Brian Urlacher wants to make it hard... WOW!

Viral Video: Hudson's Implosion

Viral Video: Conservative Cartoon All-Stars

I neither approve or reject the following message:

Catching up.

I've been gone from the blog for a few days, so here's some updates:

- Louisville defeated Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl 24-13. At center is future All-American, and good friend of the website, Eric Wood.

- It has also proven to be Coach Bobby Petrino's last game with the Cardinals. Petrino will replace Jim L. Mora (the son of Jim "PLAYOFFS!!!" Mora) as head coach of the NFL Atlanta Falcons. This will also prove that the confusion at the U of L Athletic department switchboard regaring coaches' last names (Petrino, Pitino, Petrino, Pitino, let's call the whole thing off!).

- The UC Bearcats won the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto on Saturday, as they defeated Western Michigan, 27-24. The Broncos forgot (Bill) Poland.

- The NFL Wild Card: In the AFC, the Colts defense gets it done when it counts against the Chiefs, while the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick gets back at his old assistant Eric Mangini and that oach's NY Jets. The NFC matchups were more surprising: the Cowboys and Tony Romo fall in a hard-fought battle in Seattle, followed by another exciting game between Jeff Garcia and the Eagles, who got past the NY Giants, whose running back, Tiki Barber, has played his last game. It surely won't be the last time you see Tiki on Tivi. (TV)

- Apple is set to announce BIG THINGS on Tuesday for MacWorld Expo 2007 in San Francisco on Tuesday. When Steve Jobs says "One More Thing..." you'd better stick around this time.

- Oh, and Kings Island has announced that a major announcement is coming soon. Like you didn't know that.

Viral Vault: Burgundy's ESPN Audition

From the "You may have seen this" file: Ron Burgundy, anchorman from KWVN Channel 4 of San Diego, traveled to Bristol, CT to audition for this then-new network called "ESPN" (Pronounced 'Eee - Ess - Pee - Enn'), back in 1979.



Let's just say he was as interested in the SportsCenter job, as Cindy Sheehan is interested in working with George W. Bush on an Iraq strategy...

Viral Video: Reporter Blows Bowl Proposal Surprise

The first video truly from the new year:

New Kings Island logo revealed

While browsing Kings Island's website today (still located at www.pki.com), I stumbled upon the Season Pass page. I looked at the art/designs for the season passes, and quickly noticed something different - and great...



This is no doubt a sign that my home park is losing its long-time yet not-so revered Paramount branding. It is similar in the style of Carowinds' new logo, and similar font as seen with Cedar Point. Stay tuned for even more, including a higher-resolution version of this logo, and more announcements regarding the 2007 season.

Viral Video: One Bank, David Cross style

Was I not the only one cringing when hearing Bank of America's "One Bank?"

Well, you might like this parody:

Orange Bowl Alert

Now on Fox, it's the FedEx Orange Bowl from Dolphins Stadium in Miami FL. The Big East powerhouse Louisville Cardinals vs. the surprising Wake Forest Demon Deacons are facing off tonight.
Oh, and watch for Louisville junior center Eric Wood, #77 - my old friend, who played HS ball at Elder on their state champion teams in 2002 and '03. GO CARDINALS!!!

Update: At halftime, Louisville leads Wake Forest 10-3.

Viral Video: Saddam and the Rope

Happy 2007, everyone! While jsut about all of us are looking forward to a great new year, one man didn't get the chance...

Watch as the condemned dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, gets a noose around his neck, before he takes the final dive of his life...