Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Six Flags Flash Pass Program

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Six Flags Flash Pass Program Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 Things to know What: Flash Pass virtual line program eliminates waiting in long lines for popular rides. Cost: varies by park. The per-person price generally drops with additional guests for the Q-bot program. Where: Click here for participating Six Flags parks. Waiting and waiting (and waiting) in rat-maze lines is as much a part of the theme park experience as riding roller coasters. Enduring 90 minutes of inching along in stanchion hell is the price you must pay for 2 minutes of coaster heaven. Or is it? Parks have been introducing programs to alleviate the bottlenecks and move people out of lines. Six Flags' version, called Flash Pass, is actually two programs with the same name. Depending on the park, guests can either purchase low-tech, go-to-the-head-of-the-line paper tickets or a high-tech, electronic "Q-bot" device. In either case, if a park is crowded, Flash Pass may be the way to go. Flash Pass Q-bot gets you out of the queue Essentially retrofitted beepers, Q-bots are like virtual placeholders. They calculate the amount of time you would have waited in line, then vibrate and flash a text message when it's time to report to the ride--while you're off doing other things. Six Flags says that the Q-bot version of Flash Pass is fair because guests using the device wait the same amount of time as the Q-bot-nots; they just don't have to suffer in infernal lines. While the explanation sounds convincing, it still feels as if you are pulling a fast one when you sashay up the special Flash Pass entrance and walk past the huddled masses to the front of the line. Having said that, it's incredibly satisfying to skip a one- or two-hour queue and hop aboard a popular attraction. More Flash Pass Info: Next page: Does Flash Pass work? Is it worth it? Participating Six Flags Parks

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: The Cyclone at Coney Island

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

The Cyclone at Coney Island Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 A treasured piece of living history (a term that applies to much of Coney Island), the classic Cyclone evokes an earlier era, yet packs a surprisingly potent punch--even when compared to modern-day coaster behemoths. It is, perhaps, the archetypal roller coaster and probably the world's most famous thrill machine. While the Cyclone can get more than a bit rough, coaster freaks and casual fans alike nonetheless adore the sentimental favorite. Cyclone Up-Front Info Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7 Unusually steep first drop, traditional coaster car lacks seat dividers and seat belts (the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar), plenty of airtime, can be excessively rough, traditional rickety wood coaster ride. Coaster type: Wood (although the structure is steel), prototypical "cyclone" twister layout Top speed: 60 mph Height of lift hill: 85 feet Ride time: 1.5 minutes Cyclone Photo Gallery Coney Island Overview Screeching into the Coney Island station on the New York City subway, the landmark comes into view: the white lattice, the faded red railing, the "CYCLONE" block letters at the top of the lift hill. Generations of passengers have peered through the trains' windows and shared the giddy sensation of having arrived at Coney Island as well as the anticipation of joy and fear that the sight of the roller coaster elicits. Riders line up along Surf Avenue under the Cyclone's glorious vintage neon sign. After paying the cashier in the old cage booth for a ticket, passengers snake under the track and through the structure up to the loading platform. The ride has never been updated with a computerized brake system, and the Cyclone is one of the few classic coasters that still uses manual brakes. It's a hoot to watch ride operators slow and stop the trains by pulling on the ride's tall brake handles. Hey, Let's Go! The scene in the station is sooo Brooklyn-esque. Instead of the silly matching uniforms typically found at theme parks, the Cyclone's crew members dress in do rags, baseball caps, Yankees jerseys, tank tops, and whatever else they felt like throwing on that morning. They hustle the exiting passengers out of the trains at one end of the station, hop aboard the cars as they creep into the loading area, then accost riders with hand gestures and chiding commands to "Get on! Come on, come on! Hey, let's go!" They have to be the most efficient and aggressive ride-op team in the business. It's as if they get paid by the number of trains they fill per hour. Like nearly everything else about the Cyclone, the design of the traditional 24-passenger trains has essentially remained unchanged for decades. The low-slung seats do not have headrests, and the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar. The two-person bench seats do not have dividers, so seatmates need to really like each other. The seat bases, the chassis, and the sides of the cars are articulated so that they can move independently and accommodate the wild ride. Once cleared for departure, the brakeman eases up on the handle, and the train rolls out of the station to engage the chain lift. Riding past the wonderful "Final warning: No standing!" sign and up the 85-foot hill to the stirring clackety-clack sound, passengers can feel the odd movements of the articulated car as it navigates the track. Facing the beach and the ocean beyond, the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. The Cyclone Is a "Good" Aggressive Coaster Then all hell breaks loose. At nearly 60 degrees, the first drop is incredibly steep. A friend has aptly described the drop as the equivalent of riding down an 85-foot ladder and hitting every rung along the way. A 180-degree turn at the bottom of the hill sends the train racing up the second hill and delivering the first of many bursts of airtime. The turn also sends the passengers on one side of the train slamming--and I mean slamming--into their seatmates. There are six 180-degree turns in all, so there are plenty of lateral G-forces and opportunities for riders to crash into one another. The Cyclone features 12 drops and loads of euphoric airtime. There are also 18 track crossovers. Unlike an out-and-back coaster which travels a single loop, the Cyclone is able to fit 2640 feet of track into its compact footprint by twisting in and out of itself. The thrill machine is so groundbreaking and legendary, all twister roller coasters are generically known as "cyclone" coasters in its honor. The ride varies according to the seat position and other factors such as the time of day and the weather. The back seats, especially, can be insanely rough, although I once had a front-row ride that was not for the squeamish. The structure groans and shakes, riders get tossed to and fro with abandon, and the trains can suddenly lurch skyward only to whack into the upstop wheels tethering them to the track. For all of its punishment, however, the Cyclone is, at its core, an exciting and decidedly fun ride. It invariably elicits equal doses of laughter and screams. There are "bad" aggressive coasters (such as the hideous Manhattan Express, or whatever Las Vegas' New York, New York Casino is calling its coaster these days) and "good" aggressive coasters. The Cyclone falls squarely in the latter category. The Cyclone has, ahem, had its ups and downs. It debuted in 1927 to great acclaim and quickly gained worldwide fame. Coney Island's popularity waned through the years, however, and the Cyclone's customers dwindled. Its fate appeared grim when the city condemned it in 1969. Thankfully, Astroland's owners lovingly restored the Cyclone and reopened it in 1975. New York listed it as an official city landmark in 1988. In 1991, the state of New York entered the Cyclone in its Register of Historic Places. That same year, the ride gained National Historic Landmark status, which protects it from the whims of developers. In 2007, Thor Equities bought Astroland and other nearby parcels, and has been pursuing a massive Coney Island redevelopment plan. The proposed project has generated lots of controversy and opposition, and the city has not granted the necessary permits. Whatever happens with this or any other plan, the protected Cyclone will remain intact and delight riders for years to come. As the Cyclone comes roaring back into the station at the end of the ride, crewmembers jump on the sides of the train and hawk re-rides at a reduced price. If you want to score a front-row seat (highly recommended), pay for a re-ride and try to quickly hightail it to the front car. Then, get ready for another sweet Cyclone slamfest.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Country Springs Hotel

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Country Springs Hotel Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Country Springs Hotel Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin Phone: 1-800-247-6640 Country Springs Hotel Tickets and Admission Policy: Open to registered guests of the Country Springs Hotel. Limited day passes available for the general public as well. Contact park for availability. Indoor Water Park Square Footage: 45,000 Indoor Waterpark Features: Boat slide, tube slide, body slide, interactive water play structure, lazy river, indoor/outdoor whirlpool. Country Springs Hotel Photo Gallery: Country Springs Hotel Pictures Country Springs Hotel Directions: From Milwaukee: Go west on I-94 (to Madison) about 20 miles to Hwy. T. Go 1/4 mile to Golf Road, then west on Golf Road about 1 mile to the hotel. From Gen. Mitchell Intl. Airport: Go west app. 1 mile on airport freeway spur (119) to I-94 W. Go I-94 app. 2 miles to 894 west bypass. Go 894 app. 12 miles to I-94. See directions above. From Madison: Go east on I-94 to Hwy. G (Exit 291). Go north on Hwy G. to Golf Road, then east on Golf Road about 1/2 mile to hotel. Official Web Site: Country Springs Hotel Overview: Attractions at Country Springs Hotel includes Triple Dog Dare, a three-person raft ride with high-speed curves, Double Trouble, a thrilling enclosed two-person ride, and the Cyclone, a body slide. Whistle Stop Wash is an activity pool featuring water basketball and a lily pad walk while the Waukesha Waterworks provides an interactive play structure with slides for younger children. The Springs Waterpark also offers Night Springs, an indoor and outdoor whirlpool. The park features fiber optic lighting and colored halogen lights that illuminate its sky windows. In addition to the water rides, the adjacent Country Springs Hotel features an arcade, restaurants, a golf course, exercise facility, conference center, and other amenities. The hotel offers lodging and water park packages and specials. Accommodations include family suites and include complimentary continental breakfast.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Myrtle Beach Pavilion

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Myrtle Beach Pavilion Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jeremy Levine, 2005. Licensed to About.com. Special Note: The park closed permanently in 2006. A handful of the rides are now at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Rides and attractions: Wood coaster, wild mouse coaster, two dark rides, river raft ride, log flume, vintage carousel, thrill rides, kiddie rides, clown shows. Photo Gallery: Scenes from The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park See the Park Being Torn Down: Myrtle Beach Pavilion Demolition Photo Gallery Overview: The following info was written when the park was still open: Myrtle Beach is in a period of transition. Vacationers have always flocked to South Carolina's Grand Strand for its miles of glorious beaches, and Tiger Woods wannabes still descend on the golf-mad area for its 120 courses (and nearly 50 mini-golf courses). But for generations of fun-seekers, The Pavilion, and the arcades, gift shops, food joints, and other funky, honky-tonk establishments that surround it have also defined Myrtle Beach. That may be changing as developers kick around plans to gentrify and redefine the area. And that would be a shame. The free-admission park crams a surprising number of rides and attractions into its compact, 11-acre footprint. The highlight is The Hurricane, a CCI-built wood coaster that straddles one side of The Pavilion. Other signature attractions include the Haunted Hotel, a wonderful, traditional dark ride that incorporates Disney-style illusions, Treasure Hunt, an interactive dark ride in which passengers rack up points by shooting Pirate Booty targets, and the Hydro-Surge river raft ride. The park also offers some wild thrill rides like a Top Spin and Enterprise, as well as a stunning 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel and a decent collection of kiddie rides. But The Myrtle Beach Pavilion is more than a collection of rides. There's something about the sand, the surf, and the screams of coaster riders that dovetail perfectly. The smell of the salt air complements the distinctive aroma of the fries, and a shoreline sunset melds seamlessly with tacky, mismatched carnival lights. Seaside parks are a piece of Americana that's quickly fading. Visit The Pavilion before its rough-hewn, shaggy charm gets tossed out to sea in favor of some bland, homogenized mall-like retail-dining-entertainment complex. Instead of authentic greasy burgers at the vintage food stand, they'll be serving retro greasy burgers at the corporate restaurant chain.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: New Rides at Six Flags 2012

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

New Rides at Six Flags 2012 Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jan 26 2012 After a few years in which the park chain had been trying to become more family-friendly, the latest management team is returning Six Flags to its tried and true formula of amped-up, teen-targeted thrills. That's not to say that every park will be getting a new heart-pounding roller coaster in 2012 (although there are a couple of cardiac-crazy thrill machines on the way). But the emphasis is clearly on white knuckles once again. While a major thrill ride may or may not be heading to your local Six Flags, you can be sure that something will await you in 2012. The company says it is committed to reinvesting and bringing new attractions to each of its parks. But it is a bit liberal in its use of the term, "new." As has been the case recently, the chain will be shuffling rides around amongst its parks. In some cases, the "new" attractions will really be relocated older rides that will be getting different names, fresh coats of paint, and new leases on life. Among the highlights are a few attractions that may inspire ride warriors to book long-distance trips. California's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, for example, will be getting an intriguing new Superman coaster that will use a novel layout and ride system to approximate a flying experience. The world's tallest vertical drop ride is on its way to Six Flags Magic Mountain, also in California. And Six Flags Great America in Illinois will be spreading its wings with a wild take on a new(ish) coaster concept. These and other developments are detailed below. You may want to start getting your knuckles in shape for the thrills ahead. Looking for Six Flags tickets? Save money and time. Buy direct discounted tickets online from Six Flags. In addition to all of the Six Flags goodness, there are many other plans underway at a host of parks. To see what's happening during this especially exciting time, go to What's New at Theme Parks and Amusement Parks. THE SIX FLAGS 2012 RIDE GUIDE The guide is arranged alphabetically by US state. Canada's La Ronde and Six Flags Mexico follow at the end of the list. CALIFORNIA Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA Superman Ultimate Flight The unique launched coaster will send passengers soaring up, up, and a way up a 150-foot-tall loop. Instead of a more traditional coaster experience, in which gravity would then take over, the new Superman thriller will instead hold riders for a few tentative moments and then blast them into a second inversion down the opposite side of the loop. Sound confusing (but nonetheless tantalizing)? Perhaps this video will help explain it better: Superman Ultimate Flight Animated Preview Video Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, CA Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom When it debuted, Superman: Escape from Krypton was the tallest coaster in the world. It's since been eclipsed, but it's still pretty dang tall. By attaching a drop ride to the back of the coaster's tower, Six Flags will now be able to boast that it will have the world's tallest (and scariest?) freefall ride. Read more about Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Drop of Doom Preview Video GEORGIA Six Flags Over Georgia Austell (near Atlanta), GA New Shows OK. So maybe Six Flags cheated a bit, when it said that it would introduce major new attractions at all of its parks. The promise of six new shows probably won't get the turnstiles spinning madly at the Georgia park. But, 2012 will be the park's 45th anniversary, and one of its shows will feature its celebrated history. Also, since Six Flags introduced Dare Devil Dive, a "Euro-Fighter" coaster that sends riders straight up and beyond straight down a 95-foot top-hat tower, in 2011, perhaps we should cut it some slack in 2012. Six Flags White Water Marietta (near Atlanta), GA Nothing new announced to date for the water park in 2012. ILLINOIS Six Flags Great America Gurnee, IL X-Flight The wing coaster, one of two debuting in 2012 (the other one will be at Dollywood in Tennessee), will bring a new style of seating to the ride experience. You can read more about the wacky thrills in store at my X-Flight overview. X-Flight Preview Photo Gallery X-Flight Preview Video MARYLAND Six Flags America Mitchellville, MD (near Washington, D.C.) Apocalypse Although it sounds fashionably ominous (2012 is the year of the much-prophesized end of the world as we know it, after all), the new coaster coming to Maryland is actually an old standup coaster that has been giving wedgies to riders at Six Flags Great America in Illinois since 1990. MASSACHUSETTS Six Flags New England Agawam, MA (near Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT) Goliath Another transplant (this one was originally at Six Flags Magic Mountain where it was known, coincidentally, as Deja Vu), Goliath will be a shuttle coaster. Unlike the more typical shuttle boomerang coaster, Flashback, that is already at the Massachusetts park, however, this ride will be considerably taller and faster and will feature an inverted train that will hang beneath the track. MISSOURI Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, near (...come on, you know what city it's near) Bonzai Pipeline Hurricane Harbor, the adjacent water park that is included with admission to Six Flags St. Louis, will be getting an Aqua Loop water slide that will nearly send riders upside down as they soar at speeds up to 40 mph through its clear acrylic tube. NEW JERSEY Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ SkyScreamer A spinning swing ride, SkyScreamer will rise 240 scream-inducing feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. The park will also be getting new bumper cars and a Scrambler spinning ride. NEW YORK The Great Escape Queensbury (near Lake George), New York Splashwater Kingdom, the water park that is included with admission to the park, will be getting two new rides: Alpine Freefalls will feature a nerve-wracking speed slide that riders will start by entering a "Skybox" capsule with a trap door. The slide complex will also offer a four-lane mat racing slide. TEXAS Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, TX SkyScreamer Another one of the spinning swing rides coming to Six Flags parks, the Fiesta Texas version will rise about 200 feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. Six Flags Over Texas Arlington (near Dallas), TX New Show Another one of the chain's parks (like Six Flags Over Georgia), that won't be getting anything truly major in 2012. At the time this article was written, the best the park could come up with is that it would be getting a new live show. Then again, like the Georgia park, Six Flags Over Texas debuted a well-received ride in 2011, the "new" Texas Giant, and perhaps should be forgiven for keeping it modest in the coming year. CANADA La Ronde Montreal, Quebec Vol Ultime A swinging tower ride that will soar about 150 feet will open this season. MEXICO Six Flags Mexico Mexico City Nothing new announced at the time this article was written. Sheesh Six Flags! You did promise that you would be introducing some major new feature at all parks, si?

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

One day only – Buffalo Bisons’ home opener

To contact us Click HERE

It’s April, and that means it’s baseball season in Buffalo. Head down to Coca Cola Field in downtown Buffalo on Wednesday, April 10th for the Bisons’ 2012 Triple-A International League home opener against the Empire State Yankees (as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will be know this year) at 2:05 p.m. The first 10,000 fans at the ballpark will receive a Buffalo Bisons magnetic schedule.
Tickets range in price from $8.50 to $11.50 and are available through http://www.tickets.com/. Find out more at http://www.bisons.com/.
Image: Wikimedia Commons/Vlastula

Sports shorts - Empire State Yankees call Coca Cola Field home for six games

To contact us Click HERE
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Triple-A International League farm team for the New York Yankees, will play their entire schedule on the road in 2012 while their permanent home, PNC Field in Moosic, Pennsylvania is renovated. Six of their “home” games will be held at Coca Cola Field in downtown Buffalo, with our own Buffalo Bisons serving as the “away” team.

With the team playing 84 of their 144-game schedule in upstate New York, their name for 2012 will be the Empire State Yankees. Their New York State “home” games, in addition to the six in Buffalo, include 37 games at Frontier Field in Rochester, seven games in Dwyer Stadium in Batavia and 10 at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse. They will also play “home” games at Coca Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Allentown, Pennsylvania (eight games) and at McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (four games).

For more information and tickets to Empire State Yankees “home” games, visit their website.

PRE-ORDER HOLD ON 'TIL THE NIGHT NOW!

To contact us Click HERE
Greyson's debut album Hold On 'Til The Night is just over a week away! Make sure to pre-order your copy now!

- Order through Greyson-Official.com to get a a handwritten lyric sheet with the album (some are even signed by Greyson!). Click HERE!
- Order through Greyson's official web store to get an exclusive t-shirt with your album. Click HERE!
- Order through iTunes to get it the second it's released on August 2nd! Click HERE!




source: Greyson Official Website

Countdown to HOTTN – 7 DAYS: Hold On 'Til the Night

To contact us Click HERE
This song is very meaningful to me. When I went into the studio to write this record I was kinda sad. I was away from home, missed my friends, and I needed some courage. So I went into the studio and told myself that I was going to write a song that was about gaining confidence. And this was the result. I love the lyric, "Running to the light, get out of your own way, not afraid to fight, believing what you say." I am telling my fans to not be afraid. Whenever I listen to this song I instantly feel happy and strong.
Pre-order Hold On 'Til the Night here!

Greyson Chance Interview: Greyson's VMA Picks, Cougar Fans & His First Car

To contact us Click HERE


Greyson Chance out-"Paparazzi"-ed Lady Gaga last year when the YouTube video of him performing the Gaga hit went viral. Tens of millions of views and one brand-new record deal later, Greyson's now releasing his own album, Hold On 'Til The Night, and he's currently out on the road to promote it. Oh, and he's only 13. IDK what to tell ya, everyone else -- get better at stuff.Greyson stopped by Buzzworthy HQ to answer a couple questions, and also sit in front of a yellow backdrop and look totally adorbz. When asked about his fan base and the kinds of people who show up to his shows, it turns out young Greyson is kind of a cougar magnet. But he's not complaining. It sounds like the younger ones are a little more zealous about their fandom, though: "They sometimes knock on the door [of the bus] like, 'Hey, it's your manager. Answer! Answer!' and I'm like, 'I know it's not you, but I'll come out anyway." Brave soul!Greyson also gave us his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs: "[Katy Perry's] 'Last Friday Night''s a good one. I really want 'Judas' and 'Born This Way' to win for Gaga 'cause she's close to my heart." Nepotism? Nah.+ WATCH GREYSON CHANCE'S BUZZWORTHY INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP!When it comes to getting behind the wheel, even though he still has three years before he gets his license, he already has his first car all planned out. "I want the most beat-up, nasty, hardly-can-run car because I can tell you within two weeks, it's gonna be wrecked." Oh noes! Slow and steady wins the race! Do not make me take away your phone privileges again, young man!+ Watch Greyson Chance discuss fans, inspiration, and his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs in Buzzworthy's exclusive interview below.

source : MTVbuzzworthyBlog

Greyson Chance Interview: Greyson's VMA Picks, Cougar Fans & His First Car

To contact us Click HERE


Greyson Chance out-"Paparazzi"-ed Lady Gaga last year when the YouTube video of him performing the Gaga hit went viral. Tens of millions of views and one brand-new record deal later, Greyson's now releasing his own album, Hold On 'Til The Night, and he's currently out on the road to promote it. Oh, and he's only 13. IDK what to tell ya, everyone else -- get better at stuff.Greyson stopped by Buzzworthy HQ to answer a couple questions, and also sit in front of a yellow backdrop and look totally adorbz. When asked about his fan base and the kinds of people who show up to his shows, it turns out young Greyson is kind of a cougar magnet. But he's not complaining. It sounds like the younger ones are a little more zealous about their fandom, though: "They sometimes knock on the door [of the bus] like, 'Hey, it's your manager. Answer! Answer!' and I'm like, 'I know it's not you, but I'll come out anyway." Brave soul!Greyson also gave us his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs: "[Katy Perry's] 'Last Friday Night''s a good one. I really want 'Judas' and 'Born This Way' to win for Gaga 'cause she's close to my heart." Nepotism? Nah.+ WATCH GREYSON CHANCE'S BUZZWORTHY INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP!When it comes to getting behind the wheel, even though he still has three years before he gets his license, he already has his first car all planned out. "I want the most beat-up, nasty, hardly-can-run car because I can tell you within two weeks, it's gonna be wrecked." Oh noes! Slow and steady wins the race! Do not make me take away your phone privileges again, young man!+ Watch Greyson Chance discuss fans, inspiration, and his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs in Buzzworthy's exclusive interview below.

source : MTVbuzzworthyBlog

Small town politics lands Housing Authority chair in jail www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
ATLANTIC BEACH NC June 24 2012 -- Atlantic Beach police arrested their own Housing Authority chair Thursday for Impersonating a Public Official, but the town's judge dropped the charge just 16 hours later.

Since 2009, Gary Bell has conducted Atlantic Beach's Housing Authority meetings and during Thursday night's meeting, an Atlantic Beach Sergeant John Jackson walked him out in handcuffs.

Bell was booked at J. Reuben Long Detention Center at 6:52 p.m. Thursday and released at 11:16 a.m. Friday.

Town judge, Cheveron Scott, dismissed the charge against Bell, saying it was improperly filed.

Jackson charged Bell for Impersonating an Official on a traffic ticket.

Scott said Jackson needed a warrant to make such a charge against Bell.

"It was really really hell," said Bell. "I've never been to jail in my life. I'm 51-years-old.. never been to jail, sleeping on hard benches for no reason."

Atlantic Beach Mayor Retha Pierce said Bell was kicked off of the Housing Authority because he no longer lives in the town. Pierce is still mayor because Jake Evans, the candidate who won the May election, still hasn't been sworn in.

But the South Carolina Housing Authority official, Larry Knightner, said South Carolina code Section 31-3-970 states being a resident is not a requirement to serve on a housing authority board.

Knightner said Bell cannot be taken off as chair unless town council finds a legitimate reason to relieve him of his appointment.

Bell's term ends next May, said Knightner.

On Friday, Atlantic Beach decided to hold a town council meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday

Council members are expected to discuss the Housing Authority Board during that meeting.

NewsChannel 15 is still awaiting a copy of Bell's arrest report from Atlantic Beach Police Chief Mike Bordner.

Source:carolinalive.com

Chicago police officer injured during disturbance at the Museum Campus www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
Chicago IL June 24 2012 A motorcyclist fled the scene after running into the Chicago Police officer who pulled him over for causing a disturbance at the Museum Campus late last night on the Near South Side.

The female officer was not badly hurt and has been released as of this morning from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, authorities said.

It was about 11:30 p.m. when the officer tried to stop a man on a motorcycle who was wanted for causing a disturbance with a park security officer in the 700 block of East Solidarity Drive between the Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field, said Central District police Lt. John Willner.

The security officer had told him it was time to leave because the park had closed an hour prior. When he refused, Chicago Police were called.

“The motorcyclist tried to leave and in the process, struck her,’’ Willner said.

It was not known what kind of injuries she had, but her partner called an ambulance and also tried to curb the biker, who fled southbound and entered the Stevenson Expressway (I-55), the lieutenant said.

Chicago Police pursued him and Illinois State Police were notified to be on the lookout for him, according to an ISP District Chicago trooper.

He was last seen westbound on the I-290 near 9th Avenue in Maywood, sources said.

Source:WGN

Virginia man extradited to Phoenix in sexual exploitation case www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
PHOENIX AZ June 24 2012 (AP) - Arizona authorities say a Virginia man has been extradited to Phoenix to face charges in a sexual exploitation case.


Phoenix police said Friday that 43-year-old Daniel J. Courtney has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail.

He's being held on suspicion of numerous counts of luring and aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation.

Phoenix police detectives from the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted an investigation last August and September that led them to Courtney, of Chantilly, Va.

Authorities say Courtney had an electronic relationship with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl in Phoenix and allegedly propositioned her for sex.

But they say he actually was communicating with a task force member.

Police didn't immediately know whether Courtney has legal representation yet for his case.

Off-duty Atlanta police lieutenant interrupts robbery www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
Atlanta GA June 24 2012 An off-duty Atlanta police officer followed his instincts and interrupted a robbery in northwest Atlanta.


Lt. Terry Joyner noticed four juveniles acting suspicious on Bolton Road Wednesday, so he parked his car to keep an eye on them. His intuition was correct: As he sat there and watched, one of the juveniles walked into a gas station with a gun and robbed the clerk, police said.

Joyner immediately called for backup and helped arrest the 15-year-old suspect. Nearby, they found the replica gun used in the robbery, said Sgt. Curtis Davenport, an Atlanta police spokesman.

The name of the suspect was not released because he is a juvenile.

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: New Rides at Six Flags 2012

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

New Rides at Six Flags 2012 Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jan 26 2012 After a few years in which the park chain had been trying to become more family-friendly, the latest management team is returning Six Flags to its tried and true formula of amped-up, teen-targeted thrills. That's not to say that every park will be getting a new heart-pounding roller coaster in 2012 (although there are a couple of cardiac-crazy thrill machines on the way). But the emphasis is clearly on white knuckles once again. While a major thrill ride may or may not be heading to your local Six Flags, you can be sure that something will await you in 2012. The company says it is committed to reinvesting and bringing new attractions to each of its parks. But it is a bit liberal in its use of the term, "new." As has been the case recently, the chain will be shuffling rides around amongst its parks. In some cases, the "new" attractions will really be relocated older rides that will be getting different names, fresh coats of paint, and new leases on life. Among the highlights are a few attractions that may inspire ride warriors to book long-distance trips. California's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, for example, will be getting an intriguing new Superman coaster that will use a novel layout and ride system to approximate a flying experience. The world's tallest vertical drop ride is on its way to Six Flags Magic Mountain, also in California. And Six Flags Great America in Illinois will be spreading its wings with a wild take on a new(ish) coaster concept. These and other developments are detailed below. You may want to start getting your knuckles in shape for the thrills ahead. Looking for Six Flags tickets? Save money and time. Buy direct discounted tickets online from Six Flags. In addition to all of the Six Flags goodness, there are many other plans underway at a host of parks. To see what's happening during this especially exciting time, go to What's New at Theme Parks and Amusement Parks. THE SIX FLAGS 2012 RIDE GUIDE The guide is arranged alphabetically by US state. Canada's La Ronde and Six Flags Mexico follow at the end of the list. CALIFORNIA Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA Superman Ultimate Flight The unique launched coaster will send passengers soaring up, up, and a way up a 150-foot-tall loop. Instead of a more traditional coaster experience, in which gravity would then take over, the new Superman thriller will instead hold riders for a few tentative moments and then blast them into a second inversion down the opposite side of the loop. Sound confusing (but nonetheless tantalizing)? Perhaps this video will help explain it better: Superman Ultimate Flight Animated Preview Video Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, CA Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom When it debuted, Superman: Escape from Krypton was the tallest coaster in the world. It's since been eclipsed, but it's still pretty dang tall. By attaching a drop ride to the back of the coaster's tower, Six Flags will now be able to boast that it will have the world's tallest (and scariest?) freefall ride. Read more about Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Drop of Doom Preview Video GEORGIA Six Flags Over Georgia Austell (near Atlanta), GA New Shows OK. So maybe Six Flags cheated a bit, when it said that it would introduce major new attractions at all of its parks. The promise of six new shows probably won't get the turnstiles spinning madly at the Georgia park. But, 2012 will be the park's 45th anniversary, and one of its shows will feature its celebrated history. Also, since Six Flags introduced Dare Devil Dive, a "Euro-Fighter" coaster that sends riders straight up and beyond straight down a 95-foot top-hat tower, in 2011, perhaps we should cut it some slack in 2012. Six Flags White Water Marietta (near Atlanta), GA Nothing new announced to date for the water park in 2012. ILLINOIS Six Flags Great America Gurnee, IL X-Flight The wing coaster, one of two debuting in 2012 (the other one will be at Dollywood in Tennessee), will bring a new style of seating to the ride experience. You can read more about the wacky thrills in store at my X-Flight overview. X-Flight Preview Photo Gallery X-Flight Preview Video MARYLAND Six Flags America Mitchellville, MD (near Washington, D.C.) Apocalypse Although it sounds fashionably ominous (2012 is the year of the much-prophesized end of the world as we know it, after all), the new coaster coming to Maryland is actually an old standup coaster that has been giving wedgies to riders at Six Flags Great America in Illinois since 1990. MASSACHUSETTS Six Flags New England Agawam, MA (near Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT) Goliath Another transplant (this one was originally at Six Flags Magic Mountain where it was known, coincidentally, as Deja Vu), Goliath will be a shuttle coaster. Unlike the more typical shuttle boomerang coaster, Flashback, that is already at the Massachusetts park, however, this ride will be considerably taller and faster and will feature an inverted train that will hang beneath the track. MISSOURI Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, near (...come on, you know what city it's near) Bonzai Pipeline Hurricane Harbor, the adjacent water park that is included with admission to Six Flags St. Louis, will be getting an Aqua Loop water slide that will nearly send riders upside down as they soar at speeds up to 40 mph through its clear acrylic tube. NEW JERSEY Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ SkyScreamer A spinning swing ride, SkyScreamer will rise 240 scream-inducing feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. The park will also be getting new bumper cars and a Scrambler spinning ride. NEW YORK The Great Escape Queensbury (near Lake George), New York Splashwater Kingdom, the water park that is included with admission to the park, will be getting two new rides: Alpine Freefalls will feature a nerve-wracking speed slide that riders will start by entering a "Skybox" capsule with a trap door. The slide complex will also offer a four-lane mat racing slide. TEXAS Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, TX SkyScreamer Another one of the spinning swing rides coming to Six Flags parks, the Fiesta Texas version will rise about 200 feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. Six Flags Over Texas Arlington (near Dallas), TX New Show Another one of the chain's parks (like Six Flags Over Georgia), that won't be getting anything truly major in 2012. At the time this article was written, the best the park could come up with is that it would be getting a new live show. Then again, like the Georgia park, Six Flags Over Texas debuted a well-received ride in 2011, the "new" Texas Giant, and perhaps should be forgiven for keeping it modest in the coming year. CANADA La Ronde Montreal, Quebec Vol Ultime A swinging tower ride that will soar about 150 feet will open this season. MEXICO Six Flags Mexico Mexico City Nothing new announced at the time this article was written. Sheesh Six Flags! You did promise that you would be introducing some major new feature at all parks, si?

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

South Terrebonne High School teacher arrested in sex case www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
TERREBONNE PARISH, La. June 23 2012 -- A South Terrebonne High School teacher was arrested and jailed for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student, according to Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois.

"Information was received late last weekend that indicated that a 17 year-old female was engaged in a sexual relationship with one of her teachers. TPSO detectives investigated the complaint and revealed that the 17 year-old female, whose name is being withheld due to the nature of the crime, had engaged in a relationship with the teacher during the 2011-2012 school year," said a statement from Bourgeois.

The teacher, Matthew Dardar, 27, of Montegut, admitted to the relationship with the female student to authorities, according to the sheriff's office.

The student was a senior when the relationship began, though it ended recently, according to the sheriff's office.

"Dardar was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. He was jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex," said Bourgeois.

source-wwlt.com

Morganton NC public safety officer donates kidney to fellow officer www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
MORGANTON, NC June 23 2012 - "Could you imagine being a four year old, and not knowing if you were going to have to grow up without your daddy?"

Morganton Public Safety Officer Felicia Ennis knows what it's like to think your daddy is going to die, and that's why she decided to do everything she could to keep four-year-old Adam Christy from experiencing that grief. Felicia decided to do something that most people would never consider; she donated a kidney to Adam's daddy, Public Safety Sergeant Bryan Christy.

Morganton Public Safety Chief Mark Tolbert presented a Medal of Valor to Felicia Ennis during the June 18 Morganton City Council Meeting to recognize her distinguished service.

"Most acts of valor are a one-time event that leaves little to no time to think of one's actions, PSO Ennis had months to change her mind about donating her kidney, but she remained steadfast in her care and commitment to her fellow law enforcement officer and gave of herself, literally, to provide life to Sergeant Bryan Christy," the commendation read.

Ennis said she was honored by the medal and thankful to be able help her fellow officer. Ennis understands that many people will wonder, why? For her, the answer is that her father was saved from a deadly illness, and she decided she wanted to help someone else's father, if she was able.

Christy said he had a lot of time to talk with Ennis about her decision on road trips back and forth to the hospital in Chapel Hill. He said he only wanted Ennis to be sure of her decision.
Ennis said it wasn't only her decision.

"The ultimate decision was left to God," Ennis said. "My prayer was, ‘God, you spared my daddy. If it be your will, allow me to be a match. God use my kidney to be a help to someone else and their family.'"

Ennis said God answered her prayers. She was amazed that she was such a good match for Christy. The transplant surgeries went smooth and both Ennis and Christy were allowed to return home just four days after the surgeries. Ennis is back working light duty at the Public Safety Department and all of Christy's tests are looking excellent.

"I was only a helper in prolonging the life that God has given him," Ennis said about her donation. "I would do it all over again. Every pain and every ache I have had has been worth it to me - to see one more daddy spared and get to grow old with his children, with his family at home and with family here at Public Safety."

Source:WBTV.com

KY burglar takes nap after breaking into the house www.privateofficer.com

To contact us Click HERE
LOUISVILLE, KY June 23 2012 – Metro police have charged a man found sleeping on a couch inside a Portland home with breaking into the house.

Officers were called to the 1900 block of Rowan Street Thursday afternoon about the break in. A man doing maintenance on the property told police someone was inside the house when he went in to do some work. Police found Rodman E. Tolliver, 52, asleep on a couch in the front room.

Tolliver told police he was homeless and came in after finding the back door open. When asked if he knew the owner or had permission to be inside the house, Tolliver told police he did not.

Tolliver was arrested on a charge of burglary and booked into Louisville Metro Corrections

Source:WAVE.com

Welcome to another great school year!

To contact us Click HERE
Hi everybody... Welcome to another great year and welcome back to all of our student musicians. We have a lot going on this year, including performances next week for Homecoming.

Lessons for 9-12 percussionists will begin Tuesday, Sept. 15, and all others will begin on Monday, September 21. Junior High Jazz Band will also start next week; auditions for Elementary Jazz Band will be held in a couple of weeks.
Homecoming: Drumline will perform in the Homecoming Parade on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26; all 7-12 bands (including Drumline) will be performing at the Tuesday (9/22) in-school pep rally, the Friday (9/25) evening pep rally, and the Saturday (9/26) evening game.

I invite you to sign up to receive updates from this blog, and please feel free to contact me with any questions at mark_gowman@er.monroe.edu or 248-6344. See you soon!

Coming up - National Garden Festival 2012 garden walks

To contact us Click HERE
The National Garden Festival, taking place in and around the Buffalo-Niagara region June 23rd through July 29th, features special events, seminars, contests, bus tours and more. The highlights each year are the numerous garden walks scheduled on weekends throughout the festival – for a complete list of garden walks, check out this piece from the Buffalo Gardening Examiner (that’s me too!).

Coming up - National Garden Festival 2012 bus tours

To contact us Click HERE
The National Garden Festival, taking place in and around the Buffalo-Niagara region June 23rd through July 29th, features special events, seminars, contests, bus tours and more. The bus tours are especially fun, taking you to gardens you may not get a chance to see otherwise, and led by some of the Buffalo-Niagara regions top garden experts. Here’s a list of the upcoming bus tours from yours truly, the Buffalo Gardening Examiner.

Coming up – May wine trail events

To contact us Click HERE
Wine and Herb Festival – Friday through Sunday, May 4th through 6th at participating wineries on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Hours are Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 at the door, or $50 per couple in advance and $55 at the door, while designated driver tickets are$30 per person and $45 per couple – find out more at cayugawinetrail.com.

Keuka in Bloom – Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th at participating wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail – get all the information and tickets at http://www.keukawinetrail.com/.

Wine Trail Blossoms – Friday through Sunday, May 11th through 13th at participating wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Hours are Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.; tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple presale – get your tickets at http://www.niagarawinetrail.org/.

Wine and Cheese Weekend – Friday through Sunday, May 18th through 20th at participating wineries in Lake Erie Wine County. Hours are Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; tickets are $35. Find out more at http://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/.

Plant Yourself in the Garden – Sunday, May 20th from noon to 5p.m. at Sonnenberg Gardens, 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua, NY featuring wines from the Canandaigua Wine Trail. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple; a tour of the Gardens can be added for $10. Find out more at canandaiguawinetrail.com.

Summer nights - Changes coming to Artpark Tuesday concerts

To contact us Click HERE




It was announced a few weeks back that Artpark’s popular Tuesday free concert series, Tuesday in the Park, would no longer be free – but don’t worry, they’ll still be affordable!


Tickets for the concerts will be in the $5 to $25 range, and parking for the concerts has been reduced from $10 to $5 for cars and from $6 to $3 for motorcycles (for Tuesday shows only).


The first two shows have been officially announced and tickets are on sale: Kansas on Tuesday, June 19th and Foreigner on Tuesday, June 26th. The complete schedule will be announced on Tuesday, May 15th, but shows are beginning to pop up on artist’s sites. Find the complete schedule when released at http://www.artpark.net/.
Image: Blue Rodeo at Artpark in 2009 - Copyright Paula Thompson

Coming up – May 2012 events in the Buffalo area

To contact us Click HERE
Looking to fill your calendar with things to do in May? Here’s a sample from my Buffalo Events Examiner column – come visit for further details!·         First Fridays Allentown, Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society’s 150^th Anniversary Gala and Wine Trail Blossoms·         Day Out With Thomas, Beerology, and the Buffalo Uncorked Wine Tasting Party·         Plant Yourself in the Garden, Southgate Summer Kickoff and Grossology

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: The Cyclone at Coney Island

To contact us Click HERE

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

The Cyclone at Coney Island Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 A treasured piece of living history (a term that applies to much of Coney Island), the classic Cyclone evokes an earlier era, yet packs a surprisingly potent punch--even when compared to modern-day coaster behemoths. It is, perhaps, the archetypal roller coaster and probably the world's most famous thrill machine. While the Cyclone can get more than a bit rough, coaster freaks and casual fans alike nonetheless adore the sentimental favorite. Cyclone Up-Front Info Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7 Unusually steep first drop, traditional coaster car lacks seat dividers and seat belts (the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar), plenty of airtime, can be excessively rough, traditional rickety wood coaster ride. Coaster type: Wood (although the structure is steel), prototypical "cyclone" twister layout Top speed: 60 mph Height of lift hill: 85 feet Ride time: 1.5 minutes Cyclone Photo Gallery Coney Island Overview Screeching into the Coney Island station on the New York City subway, the landmark comes into view: the white lattice, the faded red railing, the "CYCLONE" block letters at the top of the lift hill. Generations of passengers have peered through the trains' windows and shared the giddy sensation of having arrived at Coney Island as well as the anticipation of joy and fear that the sight of the roller coaster elicits. Riders line up along Surf Avenue under the Cyclone's glorious vintage neon sign. After paying the cashier in the old cage booth for a ticket, passengers snake under the track and through the structure up to the loading platform. The ride has never been updated with a computerized brake system, and the Cyclone is one of the few classic coasters that still uses manual brakes. It's a hoot to watch ride operators slow and stop the trains by pulling on the ride's tall brake handles. Hey, Let's Go! The scene in the station is sooo Brooklyn-esque. Instead of the silly matching uniforms typically found at theme parks, the Cyclone's crew members dress in do rags, baseball caps, Yankees jerseys, tank tops, and whatever else they felt like throwing on that morning. They hustle the exiting passengers out of the trains at one end of the station, hop aboard the cars as they creep into the loading area, then accost riders with hand gestures and chiding commands to "Get on! Come on, come on! Hey, let's go!" They have to be the most efficient and aggressive ride-op team in the business. It's as if they get paid by the number of trains they fill per hour. Like nearly everything else about the Cyclone, the design of the traditional 24-passenger trains has essentially remained unchanged for decades. The low-slung seats do not have headrests, and the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar. The two-person bench seats do not have dividers, so seatmates need to really like each other. The seat bases, the chassis, and the sides of the cars are articulated so that they can move independently and accommodate the wild ride. Once cleared for departure, the brakeman eases up on the handle, and the train rolls out of the station to engage the chain lift. Riding past the wonderful "Final warning: No standing!" sign and up the 85-foot hill to the stirring clackety-clack sound, passengers can feel the odd movements of the articulated car as it navigates the track. Facing the beach and the ocean beyond, the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. The Cyclone Is a "Good" Aggressive Coaster Then all hell breaks loose. At nearly 60 degrees, the first drop is incredibly steep. A friend has aptly described the drop as the equivalent of riding down an 85-foot ladder and hitting every rung along the way. A 180-degree turn at the bottom of the hill sends the train racing up the second hill and delivering the first of many bursts of airtime. The turn also sends the passengers on one side of the train slamming--and I mean slamming--into their seatmates. There are six 180-degree turns in all, so there are plenty of lateral G-forces and opportunities for riders to crash into one another. The Cyclone features 12 drops and loads of euphoric airtime. There are also 18 track crossovers. Unlike an out-and-back coaster which travels a single loop, the Cyclone is able to fit 2640 feet of track into its compact footprint by twisting in and out of itself. The thrill machine is so groundbreaking and legendary, all twister roller coasters are generically known as "cyclone" coasters in its honor. The ride varies according to the seat position and other factors such as the time of day and the weather. The back seats, especially, can be insanely rough, although I once had a front-row ride that was not for the squeamish. The structure groans and shakes, riders get tossed to and fro with abandon, and the trains can suddenly lurch skyward only to whack into the upstop wheels tethering them to the track. For all of its punishment, however, the Cyclone is, at its core, an exciting and decidedly fun ride. It invariably elicits equal doses of laughter and screams. There are "bad" aggressive coasters (such as the hideous Manhattan Express, or whatever Las Vegas' New York, New York Casino is calling its coaster these days) and "good" aggressive coasters. The Cyclone falls squarely in the latter category. The Cyclone has, ahem, had its ups and downs. It debuted in 1927 to great acclaim and quickly gained worldwide fame. Coney Island's popularity waned through the years, however, and the Cyclone's customers dwindled. Its fate appeared grim when the city condemned it in 1969. Thankfully, Astroland's owners lovingly restored the Cyclone and reopened it in 1975. New York listed it as an official city landmark in 1988. In 1991, the state of New York entered the Cyclone in its Register of Historic Places. That same year, the ride gained National Historic Landmark status, which protects it from the whims of developers. In 2007, Thor Equities bought Astroland and other nearby parcels, and has been pursuing a massive Coney Island redevelopment plan. The proposed project has generated lots of controversy and opposition, and the city has not granted the necessary permits. Whatever happens with this or any other plan, the protected Cyclone will remain intact and delight riders for years to come. As the Cyclone comes roaring back into the station at the end of the ride, crewmembers jump on the sides of the train and hawk re-rides at a reduced price. If you want to score a front-row seat (highly recommended), pay for a re-ride and try to quickly hightail it to the front car. Then, get ready for another sweet Cyclone slamfest.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions