droid72

In my opinion, it's because so many people have entitlement issues these days. Plus, everyone is so scared to offend someone in a crowd setting, we tolerate intolerant behavior. That's why no one jumped in to help. They were scared of getting sucked into an unpredictable situation and didn't feel like being inconvenienced. That's my take.

When I heard that the Smurf's Enchanted Voyage was gone...and the Screamin' Demon...and The Bat...and King Cobra. I live on the opposite side of Ohio, so in those pre-internet days, news traveled slow!

"Ohmigod, they are the cleanest, nicest people who come to the park on any given basis." That's a racist generalization... I'm kidding - political correctness is really stupid.

I explored Idora Park in the very early '90s, when much was still there and intact. It was hard to process...defunct/abandoned amusement parks strike a chord in me that I can't quite describe, especially ones that I used to go to as a child! Wildcat and Jack Rabbit (or Back Wabbit?) were still in great shape (sans Wildcat fire damage) and the smell of chain grease still lingered in the Wildcat station. Near the old arcade, there was even a decomposing teddy bear lying on the ground as a reminder of all the fun family times that used to be had amidst the now weed and Ailanthus engulfed landscape. Creepy it was... I wanted to bring my video camera but was trepiditious as Idora Park borders a really nasty part of Youngstown - my friend was robbed at gun point just down the road! I miss cozy parks...

Does anyone know if there are any recent pictures of Big Dipper, or any other shots from inside the park, for that matter? I saw a few over at Geauga Lake Today, but wonder if any of you folks know of more? I still can't believe the park is defunct. I have such powerful, formative memories of GL...and the always bumpy, but thoroughly enjoyable Big Dipper. I suppose the final nail in the coffin has been driven flush... Thanks, all!

I like it...

Is this the site?

Wouldn't a more appropriate foil to Hannity be Al Franken, Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, or one of the other liberal talk show hosts? After all, Sean Hannity is not an elected official or any where near third in line to the Presidency. Yes, politics have become amazingly devisive over the last several years. Unfortunately, extremist talk radio (on both the left and the right) does everything they can to keep those fires stoked in the interest of ratings. I often wonder if people even believe some of the outrageous things they say on those shows. (For example, I have a hard time believing that Ann Coulter could really be filled with that much hate...most of it has to be for ratings and to sell books. ) The Anne Frank quote keeps coming back to me, and I like to think it to be true..."despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart" People like Bill Mahr and Rosie O'Donnell make Ann Coulter look like Ghandi, IMHO.

I don't know... We're all so very delicate and self-entitled these days in this zero-consequence, non-judgemental society. It might be "insensitive," and "offensive," but some people need a good kick in the butt. Especially grubby little punk line jumpers. Oops, that's not PC!

Post those babies and back up your claim.

That is very cool. I'm jealous.

The whole smoking ban has gone a little far, I think. I agree, you shouldn't have to be exposed to second hand smoke in public, but having designated smoking areas shouldn't be outright banned in certain venues, like outdoor parks, or nightclubs and bars, if properly ventilated. The whole 'ban' thing can get scary. Trans fats were recently BANNED from use in New York City restaurants! Smoking, though, is bad for you no matter what way you slice it.

The FOF does seem to be a hotspot for reports, according to what I've dug up. When you say phantom calls, do you mean there was actually a voice at the other end? If so, that would be pretty bone-chilling.

I don't believe in the ghost stories at all When so many people have reported the same phenomena repeatedly and independently, it makes me examine the subject seriously. 'Tram Girl,' 'Racer Boy,' and the WWC incidents seem to be validated over and over. Who really knows, though... Nonetheless, I find it interesting. Take care, all.