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Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unexpected Demolition Begins on Libertyland
Full story here on Memphis Commercial Appeal Newspaper:
From what I can gather from the article and picture, the city came in Monday and ripped a chunk out of the Zippin Pippin for analysis. There's still quite a bit of wrangling over who owns the ride and the degree of damage.
From what I saw earlier this year, it was a good bet that if the ride sat too much longer it would be completely unsalvageable. At that time, it looked like a good portion of Pippin would have to be rebuilt in order to run. But even if that happened, it would probably be a very different ride and then would it really honor the original ride or the memories of those who rode it? My guess is no.
Meanwhile, demolition has started on the rest of the park and is expected to take about a month. I hope to get over there in the next day or two for more photos. You can see my documentary pictures from May 2009 here.
Thanks to coasterdude5 over at Theme Park Review for posting the original Commercial Appeal story.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Kooky Canuck
Every so often in my travels, both around town and around the states, I run across some fun and entertaining restaurants.
My latest discovery, by way of my girlfriend Kimberly, was Kooky Canuck, a downtown eatery in Memphis, Tennessee. Imagine a contemporary hunting lodge setting with light wood, complete with animal heads on the walls. Now throw in HUGE food portions and a sports bar atmosphere, and you have Kooky Canuck.
The first thing I liked was part of their drink menu, the "Bomb List". While admittedly a light-weight, this cleverly named menu gave me a laugh. Further reading of the regular menu showcased things like "The Avalanche" with 18 (yes you read that right) scoops of ice cream and lots of toppings. I opted for the Corn Brats (Bratwurst Corndog) and Buffalo Tenders. The former, though a wacky sounding combo, worked quite well. The mild Buffalo tenders were indeed tender and juicy with a subtle, yet kicky flavor. Both were filling and meals all to themselves. Did I mention these were just appetizers? Seriously, there is no such thing as a small portion in this place.
Megan, our server, took good care of us with a smile and a genuinely happy attitude. We appreciated the hospitality. Besides, we're easy going customers anyway.;)
If your travels take you to Memphis, Tennessee, (or you just love a good burger) stop into the Kooky Canuck downtown. Don't be a hoser, eh? (Sorry, had to do it.)
Thank you Kooky Canuck! You all defintely Do Right. ;)
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Coaster Off Season
There is a time every year that every theme park enthusiast dreads (unless you're fortunate enough to live Florida). While there are seemingly more park holiday events, there is still no escape from...The Coaster Off Season (dun dun duuuuunnnn!)
Yes, the coaster off season is a long, sometimes painful, space that sends the intrepid park enthusiast to Christmas events, like those at Dollywood, Hershey Park, or the recent Busch Gardens Williamsburg event. Pick any one of these and you'll see the die-hards bundled up, wind-chapped, and with snot frozen to their gleeful faces. Why? The park is still open, and it's more of a chance to ride this year. So what if it's bloody cold and you can't feel your feet!
Yep, now it's time for the obvious trip to Orlando, Florida (or Los Angeles, California.) Both locales offer parks open year round with various rides down at random times for scheduled maintenance.
While the above traditions are the norm, there are also some new traditions popping up to beat the post season coaster and park cravings. Winter has become a prime time to take a holiday cruise or head off to the nearest indoor water park resort. Case in point, The Coaster Crew, has a long standing tradition of going to Kalahari around New Years to have some fun, even in a few feet of snow. And with new resorts, like Wilderness At The Smokies, which opened in 2008, along with old favorites like most anything in Wisconsin Dells, there are plenty of choices. Even Bloomington, Minnesota has The Water Park of America near The Mall of America, home to Nick Universe, a mini golf course, and Underwater Adventures aquarium.
For something closer to home and on a tighter budget, Theme Park Review's "Coasters in the Raw" series offers terrific PoV (point of view) rides of new, old, and dismantled coasters. Robb Alvey and company have even made iPod friendly versions to carry with you on a trip. Between high quality and convenience, this coaster video series really is worth a look and another good way to span the off season. The "Coaster Expedition" and affiliate videos are also worth a good mention here. Mr. Alvey also has a way of throwing in fun extras when you least expect it.
Yes, the haunt season is squarely in the rear view mirror, and one can already smell the hot coco of the holiday events. Even so, there's still plenty of fun to be had and a few ways to ride out that long gap until spring. Then, coaster nirvana begins anew, punctuated with the smell of funnel cake.
Yes, the coaster off season is a long, sometimes painful, space that sends the intrepid park enthusiast to Christmas events, like those at Dollywood, Hershey Park, or the recent Busch Gardens Williamsburg event. Pick any one of these and you'll see the die-hards bundled up, wind-chapped, and with snot frozen to their gleeful faces. Why? The park is still open, and it's more of a chance to ride this year. So what if it's bloody cold and you can't feel your feet!
Yep, now it's time for the obvious trip to Orlando, Florida (or Los Angeles, California.) Both locales offer parks open year round with various rides down at random times for scheduled maintenance.
While the above traditions are the norm, there are also some new traditions popping up to beat the post season coaster and park cravings. Winter has become a prime time to take a holiday cruise or head off to the nearest indoor water park resort. Case in point, The Coaster Crew, has a long standing tradition of going to Kalahari around New Years to have some fun, even in a few feet of snow. And with new resorts, like Wilderness At The Smokies, which opened in 2008, along with old favorites like most anything in Wisconsin Dells, there are plenty of choices. Even Bloomington, Minnesota has The Water Park of America near The Mall of America, home to Nick Universe, a mini golf course, and Underwater Adventures aquarium.
For something closer to home and on a tighter budget, Theme Park Review's "Coasters in the Raw" series offers terrific PoV (point of view) rides of new, old, and dismantled coasters. Robb Alvey and company have even made iPod friendly versions to carry with you on a trip. Between high quality and convenience, this coaster video series really is worth a look and another good way to span the off season. The "Coaster Expedition" and affiliate videos are also worth a good mention here. Mr. Alvey also has a way of throwing in fun extras when you least expect it.
Yes, the haunt season is squarely in the rear view mirror, and one can already smell the hot coco of the holiday events. Even so, there's still plenty of fun to be had and a few ways to ride out that long gap until spring. Then, coaster nirvana begins anew, punctuated with the smell of funnel cake.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Disney Dream Cruise Ship to Launch in 2011
Caught wind of Disney Dream, Disney's NEW cruise ship on Theme Park Review and had to mention it here. Can't wait to see this launch in 2011. Great post by the TPR folks! http://www.disneycruisenews.com/ContentDrillDown.aspx?DisplayItem=a6b91af4-5e35-4d43-9036-403363de0337
Some of the stand out goodies:
Some of the stand out goodies:
- Princess themed restaurant with rotating booths
- Andy's Room from Toy Story play area
- Aquaduck WATER COASTER with impressive views
- Virtual Portholes with Disney characters popping up from time to time
This will definitely be one to watch in the next few years.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
70's African American Cinema
Today, Kim and I watched The Black Godfather and Coffy. This was my first real experience with classic "Black-sploitation" films, other than the 80's spoof, I'm Gonna Get You Sucka. Needless to say this was a welcome lesson in culture for me, as well as an eye opener.
While we chuckled at the sometimes highly questionable 70's decor (anyone for huge crazy flower print kitchens with black and white tile floors?), it brought back some good memories of a simpler time in my life. I remembered the wood paneling in our family's house in Florida, my mom's pseudo-afro and, later pixie cut. I remember my dad's liesure suit along with the bright orange easy chair in the living room, right next to the octagonal dark wood table. Further memories of feathered haired neighbors dropping by, wearing high heeled, wood platform shoes and pants suits sprung to mind. Even our bright orange, lime green, bright yellow, pizza keeper made a guest appearence in my mind. That and macrome knitted hanging plant holders with big wooden beads. Yes, lots of crazy memories, but good ones.
Bottom line, I enjoyed watching The Black Godfather and got into the story. It was fun and engaging in it's own way. Some of the subtleties between the charactors and the underlying tone of the equality struggle spoke to me as well. One of my favorite parts was when a white rival gang boss is sitting on Big Nate's (who is African American) desk. Nate calmly says "...and speaking of change...chair" while pointing firmly to the empty seat. After a moment the other boss realizes his disrespectful mistake and sits down.
The Black Godfather made me interested in seeing other films, like the venerable Dolomite, or Willie Dynamite aka Gordon from Sesame Street. Just good 70's fun and a great way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Thank you to those filmakers!
While we chuckled at the sometimes highly questionable 70's decor (anyone for huge crazy flower print kitchens with black and white tile floors?), it brought back some good memories of a simpler time in my life. I remembered the wood paneling in our family's house in Florida, my mom's pseudo-afro and, later pixie cut. I remember my dad's liesure suit along with the bright orange easy chair in the living room, right next to the octagonal dark wood table. Further memories of feathered haired neighbors dropping by, wearing high heeled, wood platform shoes and pants suits sprung to mind. Even our bright orange, lime green, bright yellow, pizza keeper made a guest appearence in my mind. That and macrome knitted hanging plant holders with big wooden beads. Yes, lots of crazy memories, but good ones.
Bottom line, I enjoyed watching The Black Godfather and got into the story. It was fun and engaging in it's own way. Some of the subtleties between the charactors and the underlying tone of the equality struggle spoke to me as well. One of my favorite parts was when a white rival gang boss is sitting on Big Nate's (who is African American) desk. Nate calmly says "...and speaking of change...chair" while pointing firmly to the empty seat. After a moment the other boss realizes his disrespectful mistake and sits down.
The Black Godfather made me interested in seeing other films, like the venerable Dolomite, or Willie Dynamite aka Gordon from Sesame Street. Just good 70's fun and a great way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Thank you to those filmakers!
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