Friday, October 29, 2004
Afterthought
My ex-roommate had an anecdote that he told me about yesterday. Apparently he was listening to Interpol's latest at work yesterday before the concert, one of his co-workers stopped by and told him it sounded like an '80s band. For sure they do, especially since most people compare them to Joy Division. I can totally see the comparison, and it's no wonder a lot of people our age like them, because they sound like what the music we listened to while growing up. I will argue, however, that they are less like Joy Division now than in their first effort. I'd probably be able to make a better comparison if I listened to more Joy Division though. Off to Tower!
I'm Subtle Like a Lion's Cage
2004 is definitely the year of the concert. After starting of the year with a bang, seeing Radiohead at Coachella and Incubus at the Great Western Forum, I thought it was over. Lucky for me, and hundreds of other Los Angeles citizens, Interpol would have none of it.
I missed their show at the Curiosa festival a few months ago, but when I heard they'd be playing in promotion of their new album, Antics, I snatched up tickets as soon as they went on sale. Thank goodness too, because it actually sold out pretty quickly, which is remarkable considering they don't have throngs of fifteen year-olds screaming at their tour bus. To tell the truth, that was a highlight of the show in general. I don't think I've ever been at a concert in a long time where a large portion of the crowd was around my age, a very welcome change. How was the overall show, one might ask? Let's find out.
Opening acts, On! Air! Library! and The Secret Machines put on a decent opening effort. Having missed half of On! Air! Library!'s set, what I saw was rather good. Their sound was hard to pin down, but it seemed to have a Pixies sort of vibe to it. Many in the crowd were wondering who they were afterwards, and with good reason, I'll definitely check out their album. If I can find it at least. The Secret Machines did quite well also, but their set was a little more atmospheric than I usually like to see. They filled the occasional dead-space with some pretty loud portions, which really blew most of the crowd away, but I would have enjoyed some more up-beat music. Their album's pretty good to listen to at work, they have definite up-and-coming potential, so it'll be interesting to see how they progress.
Headliners are called that for a reason, and it's hard to believe that Interpol was anything but that at any point in their short existence, but their show was textbook awesome. The band itself played a tight set, with just the right amount of songs, and two encores. I saw them perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien a couple of weeks ago, and I don't know if the equipment or acoustics were off, but they didn't come off too great on the show, which really dampened my hopes. When it came around to it, this show obliterated that memory, and they were just as good live as I'd hoped. From the opening number to their last, they played this show for the fans. They played a loud, visceral set that was almost unexpected. Really though, it gave me the impression that they'll be playing these shows only to larger audiences in the future, which is always a shame for those of us who like the more intimate venues, but great for them. I left the show last night though with a great memory of them playing at one of the best venues in Los Angeles, and will always look forward to what they have to put out next.
I missed their show at the Curiosa festival a few months ago, but when I heard they'd be playing in promotion of their new album, Antics, I snatched up tickets as soon as they went on sale. Thank goodness too, because it actually sold out pretty quickly, which is remarkable considering they don't have throngs of fifteen year-olds screaming at their tour bus. To tell the truth, that was a highlight of the show in general. I don't think I've ever been at a concert in a long time where a large portion of the crowd was around my age, a very welcome change. How was the overall show, one might ask? Let's find out.
Opening acts, On! Air! Library! and The Secret Machines put on a decent opening effort. Having missed half of On! Air! Library!'s set, what I saw was rather good. Their sound was hard to pin down, but it seemed to have a Pixies sort of vibe to it. Many in the crowd were wondering who they were afterwards, and with good reason, I'll definitely check out their album. If I can find it at least. The Secret Machines did quite well also, but their set was a little more atmospheric than I usually like to see. They filled the occasional dead-space with some pretty loud portions, which really blew most of the crowd away, but I would have enjoyed some more up-beat music. Their album's pretty good to listen to at work, they have definite up-and-coming potential, so it'll be interesting to see how they progress.
Headliners are called that for a reason, and it's hard to believe that Interpol was anything but that at any point in their short existence, but their show was textbook awesome. The band itself played a tight set, with just the right amount of songs, and two encores. I saw them perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien a couple of weeks ago, and I don't know if the equipment or acoustics were off, but they didn't come off too great on the show, which really dampened my hopes. When it came around to it, this show obliterated that memory, and they were just as good live as I'd hoped. From the opening number to their last, they played this show for the fans. They played a loud, visceral set that was almost unexpected. Really though, it gave me the impression that they'll be playing these shows only to larger audiences in the future, which is always a shame for those of us who like the more intimate venues, but great for them. I left the show last night though with a great memory of them playing at one of the best venues in Los Angeles, and will always look forward to what they have to put out next.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Mario Brothers Internet Madness
Since I was in junior high, I've been a fool for video games, and specifically for Nintendo and practically every system they've produced (except for the virtual boy, what's up with that?). Seeing this, and also noting a few great posts today from Boing Boing I thought I'd do a brief internet perspective on the greatness that is Super Mario Brothers.
First off, we have the inspired genius that is a robot wholly constructed of legos that will complete the first level of Shigeru Miyamato's classic. Whoever has the amount of time to be inspired and create something like this seriously deserves major props for sticking to their guns.
We also have some relics from the past. In particular, there's this movie clip featuring Mario on Ice!
Also, if you haven't experienced this by now, it has to be seen to be believed. Here's video of a Japanese man completely destroying the ultimate in Super Mario sequels, Mario 3.
Then, we have a great game for any person to download and save on their PC, Super Mario War. It's so simple, and tons of fun to play against someone else. Stomp away!
Lastly, we have a classic flash movie, sound effects and all. Click click click.
First off, we have the inspired genius that is a robot wholly constructed of legos that will complete the first level of Shigeru Miyamato's classic. Whoever has the amount of time to be inspired and create something like this seriously deserves major props for sticking to their guns.
We also have some relics from the past. In particular, there's this movie clip featuring Mario on Ice!
Also, if you haven't experienced this by now, it has to be seen to be believed. Here's video of a Japanese man completely destroying the ultimate in Super Mario sequels, Mario 3.
Then, we have a great game for any person to download and save on their PC, Super Mario War. It's so simple, and tons of fun to play against someone else. Stomp away!
Lastly, we have a classic flash movie, sound effects and all. Click click click.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Subtitle This!
Lately, it seems that I've been renting a lot of foreign films lately, mostly of the action variety. Now, at first I didn't think I'd ever get to this point in my queue since I rented them around the time that Kill Bill was released in theaters but finally, I'm there, and I'm loving it. There's only one so far that I've seen so far that I consider to be a little sub-par, but the rest of them are blog-worthy.
If you get a chance, I'd recommend seeing Five Deadly Venoms, Duel to the Death, or In the Mood for Love. Now the first two are a must for any Kung Fu fan. First off, Five Deadly Venoms was a movie I didn't have high expectations for, but I was ultimately surprised by what was a stronger plot than I expected, amazing fight choreography, and a classic set of characters that has to be seen to be believed. Suffice it to say, I started off on the right foot by watching this film first, a definite classic.
The second recommended film, Duel to the Death is also a martial arts masterpiece. Filmed a few years post-Venoms, this movie has some more obvious strengths, but it doesn't make it any less over the top. Swords cross, limbs fly, and ninjas abound in this film about the conflicting viewpoints of Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts methodology. I found it a lot more compelling than Venoms because there was a lot more emotion behind it, but also because the production values had noticeably improved from the '70s era. See this one, and you'll see where QT got his ideas.
Lastly, we have Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love. Expecting any sort of action at all, one will be sorely disappointed as this movie is somewhat of a twisted love story about a couple who discover that their respective spouses are cheating on them. They end up spending all their time together, but ultimately decide they shall not be like the cheaters. It's a story of lost love, disappointment, and emotional memory. I found the cinematography the most compelling part of the story with each shot carefully framed to convey the maximum impact possible. One must be terribly patient to watch the story unfold though, as it does move a little slowly, but I was pretty happy with it.
Now, I just have to look forward to my slew of Takashi Miike films coming up. Ultra-violence all the way, baby.
If you get a chance, I'd recommend seeing Five Deadly Venoms, Duel to the Death, or In the Mood for Love. Now the first two are a must for any Kung Fu fan. First off, Five Deadly Venoms was a movie I didn't have high expectations for, but I was ultimately surprised by what was a stronger plot than I expected, amazing fight choreography, and a classic set of characters that has to be seen to be believed. Suffice it to say, I started off on the right foot by watching this film first, a definite classic.
The second recommended film, Duel to the Death is also a martial arts masterpiece. Filmed a few years post-Venoms, this movie has some more obvious strengths, but it doesn't make it any less over the top. Swords cross, limbs fly, and ninjas abound in this film about the conflicting viewpoints of Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts methodology. I found it a lot more compelling than Venoms because there was a lot more emotion behind it, but also because the production values had noticeably improved from the '70s era. See this one, and you'll see where QT got his ideas.
Lastly, we have Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love. Expecting any sort of action at all, one will be sorely disappointed as this movie is somewhat of a twisted love story about a couple who discover that their respective spouses are cheating on them. They end up spending all their time together, but ultimately decide they shall not be like the cheaters. It's a story of lost love, disappointment, and emotional memory. I found the cinematography the most compelling part of the story with each shot carefully framed to convey the maximum impact possible. One must be terribly patient to watch the story unfold though, as it does move a little slowly, but I was pretty happy with it.
Now, I just have to look forward to my slew of Takashi Miike films coming up. Ultra-violence all the way, baby.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Virgo A Go Go
The Free Will Horoscope returns yet again:
Very election appropriate, I think, and although I do align myself with one of those parties, I don't tend to declare it from the mountaintops. Although this is the case, I believe most Americans though, are really a mixture of both political parties, it's the American way that we are able to have that choice. Most problematic, however, is that our country is so polarized by the political atmosphere nowadays that no one can have a decent discussion of the issues and their beliefs without falling into one of those "self-righteous philosophies" the horoscope mentions. Discussion devolves into vitriol quickly thereafter, and unfortunately, what could have been a fair and intelligent discussion devolves into something ugly. Unfortunately, I'm seeing this more often as the election draws nearer, and I really do hope that things calm down after November 2.
Really though, I hope that everyone takes this horoscope to heart and finds what they believe in and prescribes to their own philosophy. Isn't that what we all hold true though, the ability to be unique? Or is it more important to belong? Where do you stand?
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): "The greatest menace to civilization," wrote historian Herbert Butterfield, "is the conflict between giant organized systems of self-righteousness?each system only too delighted to find that the other is wicked?each only too glad that the sins give it the pretext for still deeper hatred and animosity." Are you a part of one of those giant organized systems of self-righteousness, Virgo? Do you subscribe even a little to their simplistic, toxic philosophies? If so, I beg you to banish their influence from your life. Dropping out of the great "us versus them" racket is one of the single most important acts you can take to heal your own psyche and guarantee your future success.
Very election appropriate, I think, and although I do align myself with one of those parties, I don't tend to declare it from the mountaintops. Although this is the case, I believe most Americans though, are really a mixture of both political parties, it's the American way that we are able to have that choice. Most problematic, however, is that our country is so polarized by the political atmosphere nowadays that no one can have a decent discussion of the issues and their beliefs without falling into one of those "self-righteous philosophies" the horoscope mentions. Discussion devolves into vitriol quickly thereafter, and unfortunately, what could have been a fair and intelligent discussion devolves into something ugly. Unfortunately, I'm seeing this more often as the election draws nearer, and I really do hope that things calm down after November 2.
Really though, I hope that everyone takes this horoscope to heart and finds what they believe in and prescribes to their own philosophy. Isn't that what we all hold true though, the ability to be unique? Or is it more important to belong? Where do you stand?
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Pet Survey
The good people at LA Blogs have asked local bloggers to recount experiences with pets. Although a little late, I like answering!
1. Got pets? Give us a roll call!
One dog my entire life, Frankie the Pug. I've had the random fish and a pet rock, but nothing as high maintenance as the family dog.
2. How did you and your pet(s) find each other?
My grandparents gave him to my sister as a high school graduation present. Some neighbors of theirs had just delivered a litter of Pugs and we were the lucky recipients of one such puppy.
2. Dog owners: What's your favorite place to take your canine for a walk/run/romp?
I rarely ever took him for walks, but I liked taking him to the park near my house.
3. Cat owners: Do you have indoor kitties or do you allow them outside as well?
No cats here, they're too apathetic.
4. Every pet owner needs access to a good veterinarian? Where do you go when your pets need health care, and why?
The local vet gives him a good checkup when he needs it, and gives him the meds he needs. She's rather good I'd guess, although I've never been there.
5. During any extended stays away from home, do you get a friend to care for them, board your pets, or hire a professional pet sitter? Any recommendations for the last two?
Usually, we'll take him with us if we're just traveling inland, but in the case of a long-distance trip, he'll more than likely go to a family friend's place and be taken care of. We had a bad experience with the dog kennel (which Frankie, I believe, still holds against us to this day) and you can always trust the people you've known for a long time to take care of your pets like their own.
6. Had any close contact with some of L.A.'s native wildlife?
I once saw a field mouse hanging out near my golf bag on a course. Other than that, it's been the occasional squirrel and birds, but no big cats.
7. Good or bad, what's your most memorable childhood animal encounter?
There was a time when I was quite young when I had a bad run-in with the next-door neighbor's Doberman pinscher. The dog chased after me on my big wheel and gnawed at my hand. I also remember my cousin's saint bernard slobbering all over the place whenever we visited. Beethoven had nothing on him.
8. What's the funniest and/or most frustrating thing your pet does?
Frankie has the tendency to shun his dog food after having eaten human food. Darn spoiled dog.
1. Got pets? Give us a roll call!
One dog my entire life, Frankie the Pug. I've had the random fish and a pet rock, but nothing as high maintenance as the family dog.
2. How did you and your pet(s) find each other?
My grandparents gave him to my sister as a high school graduation present. Some neighbors of theirs had just delivered a litter of Pugs and we were the lucky recipients of one such puppy.
2. Dog owners: What's your favorite place to take your canine for a walk/run/romp?
I rarely ever took him for walks, but I liked taking him to the park near my house.
3. Cat owners: Do you have indoor kitties or do you allow them outside as well?
No cats here, they're too apathetic.
4. Every pet owner needs access to a good veterinarian? Where do you go when your pets need health care, and why?
The local vet gives him a good checkup when he needs it, and gives him the meds he needs. She's rather good I'd guess, although I've never been there.
5. During any extended stays away from home, do you get a friend to care for them, board your pets, or hire a professional pet sitter? Any recommendations for the last two?
Usually, we'll take him with us if we're just traveling inland, but in the case of a long-distance trip, he'll more than likely go to a family friend's place and be taken care of. We had a bad experience with the dog kennel (which Frankie, I believe, still holds against us to this day) and you can always trust the people you've known for a long time to take care of your pets like their own.
6. Had any close contact with some of L.A.'s native wildlife?
I once saw a field mouse hanging out near my golf bag on a course. Other than that, it's been the occasional squirrel and birds, but no big cats.
7. Good or bad, what's your most memorable childhood animal encounter?
There was a time when I was quite young when I had a bad run-in with the next-door neighbor's Doberman pinscher. The dog chased after me on my big wheel and gnawed at my hand. I also remember my cousin's saint bernard slobbering all over the place whenever we visited. Beethoven had nothing on him.
8. What's the funniest and/or most frustrating thing your pet does?
Frankie has the tendency to shun his dog food after having eaten human food. Darn spoiled dog.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Boba 'Brick
The pride and joy of my collection, just obtained this weekend! I'm such a dork...
Tons more yet to come, I'm thinking of adding these guys when I get the chance.
Tons more yet to come, I'm thinking of adding these guys when I get the chance.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Astrological Opinions
Haven't done one of these in a while:
Draw, draw, draw.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The astrological omens are pretty odd right now. They seem to be suggesting that your luck will be good and you'll be in maximum alignment with the cosmic rhythms if you watch a lot of daytime TV, eat heaps of junk food, get no more than four hours of sleep a night, and argue with yourself loudly in public. Just kidding, Virgo. I was merely testing to see whether you've become overly gullible toward so-called authorities like me. The truth is that you should free yourself from influences that presume to tell you what to do. Get their voices completely out of your head so you can clearly hear the still, small voice of your fiercely tender intuition.While I usually like to think for myself, sometimes I do feel that I'm influenced by outside sources such as TV or magazines to tell me what to read or what to watch. I don't think it's something I do consciously, but something that could be slightly subliminal. I mean, have you been watching a commercial at certain times and said to yourself, "Pizza, mmmmmm." I'm sure it's happened at least once. Perhaps for the time being, I'll focus on doing what I like best and draw a little more. I've been slacking off lately, so it's time to try and come up with something new.
Draw, draw, draw.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Playoff Turn-off
With all Southern Californians hoping for a Freeway Series, both the Dodgers and Angels failed to step up to the plate and were summarily eliminated from World Series contention. From a questionable pitching change in the third and final game of the Angels-Red Sox series to the dismal pitching and hitting display for the Dodgers-Cardinals series, it's very difficult to watch when the home-town team fails to rise to the occasion.
Two bright spots for the both series however, were the rising production of Jose Lima and Francisco Rodriguez. Lima time is real in Los Angeles, which is amazing considering Lima hadn't produced anything significant at all until he arrived in LA. His intensity and dedication to the team is not alarming, it's inspiring. Now if only the fans would stick around until the end of the 9th inning during the regular season.
Francisco Rodriguez has the same intensity, and has already proved himself with the World Series experience in 2002. I'm incredibly impressed with how a player so young can come into a playoff situation and remain calm. Most of the time, opposing batters are left shaking their heads, trying to figure out what it is that K-Rod is throwing up there. He's got incredible speed, and his slider has to be seen to be believed. He's the future of the Anaheim organization, and it was with great trepidation that I saw him replaced with Jarrod Washburn in the 10th inning this last weekend.
It was a good season for both teams, and we can only expect great things from both next year.
Two bright spots for the both series however, were the rising production of Jose Lima and Francisco Rodriguez. Lima time is real in Los Angeles, which is amazing considering Lima hadn't produced anything significant at all until he arrived in LA. His intensity and dedication to the team is not alarming, it's inspiring. Now if only the fans would stick around until the end of the 9th inning during the regular season.
Francisco Rodriguez has the same intensity, and has already proved himself with the World Series experience in 2002. I'm incredibly impressed with how a player so young can come into a playoff situation and remain calm. Most of the time, opposing batters are left shaking their heads, trying to figure out what it is that K-Rod is throwing up there. He's got incredible speed, and his slider has to be seen to be believed. He's the future of the Anaheim organization, and it was with great trepidation that I saw him replaced with Jarrod Washburn in the 10th inning this last weekend.
It was a good season for both teams, and we can only expect great things from both next year.
Monday, October 11, 2004
The Death of Superman
Sadly, before he ever got to realize his dream of walking again, Christopher Reeve succumbed to heart failure and passed away. Mr. Reeve is best known for the title role in "Superman: The Movie," but in recent years, he was perhaps more well known as a stem cell research advocate and activist for victims of paralysis. In my mind, and in the minds of the American public, Mr. Reeve will always be Clark Kent.
I remember seeing all the sequels, and wanting to be Superman when I was younger. His careful portrayal of Superman's duality is considered to be one of the best to date of a superhero, save for the performance of Mr. Toby Maguire, I tend to agree. No one else could capture the subtle differences between a heroic identity and civilian blase than Chris Reeve and no one will be as inspirational for his determination and belief that the impossible could be achieved. He was an amazing person, and hopefully his legacy will live on longer than any of us could ever image.
RIP...
I remember seeing all the sequels, and wanting to be Superman when I was younger. His careful portrayal of Superman's duality is considered to be one of the best to date of a superhero, save for the performance of Mr. Toby Maguire, I tend to agree. No one else could capture the subtle differences between a heroic identity and civilian blase than Chris Reeve and no one will be as inspirational for his determination and belief that the impossible could be achieved. He was an amazing person, and hopefully his legacy will live on longer than any of us could ever image.
RIP...
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Play Ball
Even though I'm not as much a fan of Baseball as I am of Basketball, I have to say that since both the Dodgers and Angels have made the playoffs, I've been paying a lot closer attention. Sports are always more exciting when there's actually something on the line, and although both teams are down in their series to start out, I'm still pulling for an all SoCal World Series.
Surprisingly, even though I'm from Orange County, I'm more of a Dodger fan. It might have to do with an early memory of their 1989 World Series victory with that memorable Kirk Gibson home run, but it also might have to be that there's so much history behind the team. I'll always be more fired up for a Dodgers vs. Giants game than for an Angels vs. A's game, that's just the way it is. Admittedly though, Angel Stadium is a lot more fun than old Chavez Ravine, so an Angel game is always fun to watch in person. What's even more fun is to watch the teams play each other since the rivalry has become more close over the last few years. With the Angels having won a World Series of their own more recently than their Uptown neighbors, there's more on the line than just a championship: bragging rights.
Even if they both get eliminated, it should be a competitive championship. Good luck to both teams.
Surprisingly, even though I'm from Orange County, I'm more of a Dodger fan. It might have to do with an early memory of their 1989 World Series victory with that memorable Kirk Gibson home run, but it also might have to be that there's so much history behind the team. I'll always be more fired up for a Dodgers vs. Giants game than for an Angels vs. A's game, that's just the way it is. Admittedly though, Angel Stadium is a lot more fun than old Chavez Ravine, so an Angel game is always fun to watch in person. What's even more fun is to watch the teams play each other since the rivalry has become more close over the last few years. With the Angels having won a World Series of their own more recently than their Uptown neighbors, there's more on the line than just a championship: bragging rights.
Even if they both get eliminated, it should be a competitive championship. Good luck to both teams.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
A Thrill A Minute
Being that Los Angeles is a widespread metropolitan area rather than a densely packed metropolis like either New York or San Francisco, sometimes you have to travel pretty far to see some of the main attractions our city has to offer. One of these is Six Flags Magic Mountain all the freaking way out in Valencia. The trek though, is quite worth it as it happens to be one house some of the largest and fastest roller coasters in all of Southern California. Knott's Berry Farm, eat your heart out.
I'm a huge fan of coasters. Wooden, steel, old school, or incredibly innovative, I get a kick out of the rush you get from the mere almost 2 minutes you're strapped into the steel harness. Some may argue that the sick feeling they get from drops and turns is enough to keep them off of a coaster, but I tend to be one who's more turned off by spinning around like crazy until you puke, therefore, a 20 foot vertical drop really isn't a big deal. The more corkscrews and hairpin turns they throw into a coaster, the better.
There's a couple of really impressive rides over there, and it's depressing that I haven't been able to ride more because of the HUGE lines. The first being my favorite of all time, Batman the Ride. Designed with numerous corkscrews and loops, this suspended coaster replicates the feeling of flying through a huge city, and always, ALWAYS makes me walk out the exit a bit wobbly. It's fairly low to the ground, and moves swiftly from one side of the track to the next, but the highlight for me has to be the final whipping corkscrew.
The other ride of note is the notorious X. Boasting a sprawling orange track and an even longer line, the cars on X are mobile and spin while the train itself hurtles through spin, drop, and turn. You know you're really in for it when first traveling up the initial climb and the seats carry you up lying on your back and facing backwards. From there, the seats flip over, and you are literally flying face-first into a completely vertical drop. In Sane. Any coaster enthusiast HAS to experience this for themselves.
Only one other ride had me as terrified, Great America's now-extinct flying Dutchman style coaster, Stealth. Removed to make way for a new water park attraction, Stealth's cars were suspended with the rider facing downwards as if they were Superman. I've only been completely horrified on a ride as I was on this one for some reason, but it was great! Too bad they moved it to the Carolinas.
Now if only I tried out Riddler's Revenge this time around.
I'm a huge fan of coasters. Wooden, steel, old school, or incredibly innovative, I get a kick out of the rush you get from the mere almost 2 minutes you're strapped into the steel harness. Some may argue that the sick feeling they get from drops and turns is enough to keep them off of a coaster, but I tend to be one who's more turned off by spinning around like crazy until you puke, therefore, a 20 foot vertical drop really isn't a big deal. The more corkscrews and hairpin turns they throw into a coaster, the better.
There's a couple of really impressive rides over there, and it's depressing that I haven't been able to ride more because of the HUGE lines. The first being my favorite of all time, Batman the Ride. Designed with numerous corkscrews and loops, this suspended coaster replicates the feeling of flying through a huge city, and always, ALWAYS makes me walk out the exit a bit wobbly. It's fairly low to the ground, and moves swiftly from one side of the track to the next, but the highlight for me has to be the final whipping corkscrew.
The other ride of note is the notorious X. Boasting a sprawling orange track and an even longer line, the cars on X are mobile and spin while the train itself hurtles through spin, drop, and turn. You know you're really in for it when first traveling up the initial climb and the seats carry you up lying on your back and facing backwards. From there, the seats flip over, and you are literally flying face-first into a completely vertical drop. In Sane. Any coaster enthusiast HAS to experience this for themselves.
Only one other ride had me as terrified, Great America's now-extinct flying Dutchman style coaster, Stealth. Removed to make way for a new water park attraction, Stealth's cars were suspended with the rider facing downwards as if they were Superman. I've only been completely horrified on a ride as I was on this one for some reason, but it was great! Too bad they moved it to the Carolinas.
Now if only I tried out Riddler's Revenge this time around.
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