Road to 500

As a child I knew from the moment I buckled into Darien Lake’s “Viper” that I was born to ride. I spent my childhood playing Disney’s Coaster DOS game, drawing over 300 coasters during recess, and leafing through issues of Inside Track magazine. Later in life the passion stuck as worked the rides as an employee of Martin’s Fantasy Island, and Cedar Point and diminished my college GPA by staying up all night designing theme parks in Roller Coaster Tycoon. When I was younger I dreamt of the day I would ride my 100th roller coaster, and while I picture traveling the world  to accomplish this feat, I never imagined it would come to this… my 500th coaster.

The time has come for “500 Rides of Summer.” I could have knocked off a few extra credits in Japan and Taiwan, but I was holding out for that special ride, one worthy of 500. While America offered a plethora of options to choose from, ultimately I chose a park that exudes ‘Americana,’ and represents what an amusement park should be. Consequently, Knoebel’s, in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, with probably the best long-standing reputation of operating a family-friendly park with appropriate pricing and dedication towards renewing, rescuing, and restoring classic rides and attractions, will be the site for my 500th coaster.

In 2004, I was fortunate enough to visit Knoebel’s , so I scooped up coaster credits on the late “Whirlwind” and “High Speed Thrill Coaster,” in addition to the currently operating “Phoenix” and “Twister,” which leaves me with four possible credits at Knoebel’s.

Black Diamond: indoor wooden/steel Philadelphia Toboggan Coaster creation

We’ll start with “Black Diamond” for #498, as it’s a nostalgic ride and one rescued from Dinosaur Beach, a defunct boardwalk in New Jersey.

Impulse: 2015 Zierer’s vertical lift looper

For #499, “Impulse” fits in well as it’s a cutting edge creation at the tip of innovation.

Flying Turns: a 2013 in-house built wooden bobsled

But for the epic #500, I could think of no better (Dollywood’s “Lightning Rod” was a close second) choice than the one-of-a-kind wooden bobsled coaster “Flying Turns.” It’s also significant because it took years of planning, frustration, and investment to finally produce this ‘iconic whirlwind of fun,’ which I rather arrogantly (please excuse the pride) associate with reading #500.

Kozmo’s Kurves: 2009 Miler family coaster

Then the new era begins as all life should with childhood innocence as I take a joyful romp on “Kozmo’s Kurves,” permitting the friendly staff allows this 6′ foot 1 dangly guy to ride.

Thank you to Knoebel’s for hosting my special moment, and I look forward sharing some snapshots and perhaps some video, if Mr. GoPro and I may ride together, of the #500 ride and our overall park visit.

For perspective’s sake, there are dozens of coasterers who have ridden far more than 500 coasters, and they should be celebrated. My 500th ride is not mean to serve as a bragging right but rather a testament to the passion our coastering community has for seeking out the next best thrill. Every single new ride should be commemorated and celebrated. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get to #1,000, but I’m happy to know that I got here, and I’ll never stop riding!

Coastering in Hokkaido, Japan at Rusutsu Resort. #GoGoSneaker

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Motivation Station

Everything we need to succeed is within; sometimes we rely a greater source to call forth these special powers and abilities. Consequently, say こんにいちは (konnichiwa) to my Motivation Station where a certain Mr. Miyagi sternly captains a squadron of fearless 達磨 (daruma). While Miyagi harks back to my childhood of looking up to the 空手 (karate) and盆栽(bonsai) 先生 (sensei), the daruma are a reminder of my cultural awakening in 日本 (Japan), and the variety of colors symbolize the innocence of my imagination. Each daruma represents a picture book I will be submitting to prospective agents and publishers. Once I begin the quest, as the tradition insists, I must color in one eye. Then when this leg of the journey is complete with an acceptance letter I may color in the second eye.

My motivational militia is the final sight my eyes spy before submitting to the night in hopes the 獏 (baku) will munch away my nightmares. It’s also the second sight I gaze upon (one must always cherish his/her spouse first) before embarking on another day. Sure, to some these are merely five little toys, but to me they are a beautiful reminder of a dream deferred and a reality that awaits.

What is your Motivation Station?

Review: Athena the Brain {Goddess Girls Book 1}

 

Athena the Brain, a 2010 chapter book, attempts to transport the immortal characters of Greek mythology into the context of modern adolescent high school culture. While such a ‘mashup’ has become commonplace in literature, the premise is done with wit and caution. Though this book ultimately fails because it relies too heavily on its ingenious gimmicks. Think of it as The Flintstones with all of the household accessories in the forms of prehistoric creatures, but without the heart and soul of its characters. The issue stems with the choice of medium as the characters often behave like those in Young Adult (ages 8-12) but the story is crammed into the confines of a chapter book (ages 4-8). This renders it an accessible and enjoyable read for middle and high schoolers reading below grade level. With Athena the Brain, the first in the Goddess Girls series, there is room to grow but since each book is from the point of view of one of Mount Olympus Academy’s students, it’s doubtful that each character will enjoy the development they deserve.

Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams show promise in their ‘ideas,’ they just need to choose the right format in which to flush out their characters. Hopefully they are able to pitch this as a series, as it would work well on a network such as the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon.

This book earns *** for its ‘special effects,’ but due to a lack of relating to the inner struggles of the eponymous Athena it’s difficult to bolt through the pages with care or excitement.

Let the Idea Parade Begin! PiBoIdMo 2015

WE DID IT! PiBoIdMo 2014

Dear Imaginators,

Another November, another 30+ picture book ideas! Congratulations to everyone who participated in any shape or form. This year for marked the third year in a row I was able to enjoy it with my 9th grade honors students. Special thanks to Tara Lazar, all of the motivating guest posters, and of course all of the participants. I would love to say “until next year,” but it’s time to focus on churning those ideas into immortal manuscripts. Happy writing everyone!

Creatively pumped,

Crave

Not Again! When Images Attack 2

Here I was, pleasantly gnawing my way through a peanut butter chip pancake, when I came across an image of a barracuda. According to my friends at Wikipedia, it’s a BIG fish. Now since it is Picture Book Idea Month, the children’s writer in me took over. “Hmmm… a barracuda… how can we play with this? BARracuda… a bar-tending fish? Not so child appropriate. How about… bear…. bearracuda! Same sound, but different spelling. Talk about a ‘homophone party!’ Certainly someone has done this before?” And just like I do with every idea… I went searching to see if it had been done before. Oh my noodles, it has been done… just not in a picture book – something else entirely. Sadly, this wasn’t the image I discovered first. This is ‘what’ I found… I had no idea that the term ‘bearracuda’ has been used to promote a night of fun for large hairy men. See for yourself, please note this site is NOT appropriate for children and/or closed-minded individuals. But then the business man in me kicked in. If this is a buzzword within the gay and lesbian community, surely many will come across my book by ‘mistake,’ (much like I found the website above) and maybe they’ll purchase the book anyway. Hmmm. The moral of the story is… Bearracuda won’t be the name of one of my picture books. Though, as a salute of respect to those with so-called ‘other’ lifestyles, a bearracuda will certainly have to make a guest appearance in an upcoming book.

That’s a Wrap: PiBoIdMo 2012

Special thanks to Tara Lazar for hosting the fourth annual Picture Book Idea Month. My third venture with this global creativity party left me feeling less than “imaginative,” as you can see from my idea list below. This could be my gut saying, “it’s time. Revise and send out your existing stories, before you go mustering up more ideas.”

However, the true joy was seeing my talented ninth grade students generate ideas each and every day. I’m proud of their “imaginator” skills and look forward to guiding them as they turn one of their ideas into a genuine picture book manuscript. I just need to remember to add one student to my roster: ME!

Happy writing everyone. For those with a picture idea or three, I urge you to consider Picture Book Marathon in February.

This year’s ideas, well the titles at least:

1. Busy Baby
2. Thomas LeClair the Strange Little Bear
3. Journey of the Droplets
4. The Unlucky Cannon
5. Frank and Steve’s Monster
6. The Greedy Gyoza
7. Septopus
8. Mirror Jumper
9. Outside the Box
10. Down the Mountain
11. The Giant Eraser
12. Super Slice
13. The Chip Monk
14. The Wampire
15. The Ark
16. Sensory Field Trip
17. Pet Buffet
18. For Giants Only
19. Owl Cafe
20. The Late Bird
21. Birthday Doors
22. My Pony is Bigger Than Yours
23. Girl VS. Cap
24. Cop Kid
25. Santa’s Apprentice
26. The Haunted Boy
27. Uninsultable Kid
28. The Vegetable Jar
29. Cinderello
30. Aldo the Alligator Finds a Job

 

Furgohneia

The name is Perkins. Stanley Perkins. But you can call me ‘The Man.” Everyone calls me the “The Man.” Now that’s a compliment, because I’m still a boy.

Girls like me, but I don’t like them…yet. They talk too much and their hair is too long. My Dad says like girls when I’m older. So, I’m planning ahead. I’m asking for their phone numbers now.

There was a vulture named Vicky who was quite picky.

The Chameleon Kid

When it rains, I want to be a Giraffe. I’ll be the first to know, and the last to drown.

The Dog King of Cats & The Cat Queen of Dogs

What if I lived in the refrigerator?

A gang of skeletons are kidnapping the town’s fat kids.

Her name was Honey. And she was in a predicament. “Gee, bumble bee,” Honey said, “Why are you always following me?”

IMAGICISE: Zootastic

Answer the call of the wild, well a caged wild, in this zoopendous imagicise! This session is all about enhancing your creative discovery while frolicking through a zoonderful world.

For those wishing to ‘tone’ their creative muscles, simply spend 5 minutes on each prompt. For those ‘bulking up’, spend an additional 5 minutes writing or follow the specific instructions with each prompt.

* For further directions on ‘Imagicise’ click here.

SAYING GOODBYE – TILL DEATH DO US WRITE

• Day 1: Human Habitat

  A world renowned zoo has decided to add a human habitat. You’ve been hired as the chief designer. You’re responsible for a main enclosure and four individual unisex indoor spaces. Describe your plans and explain the rationale behind your design.

• Day 2: Speed Mating

  Quickly write down 8 animal species. It’s time to imagine that these animals will be participating in a animal version of speed dating. Using the 8 animals you listed, make 4 pairs. For each pair write a 2 minute dialogue on what each animal may say during their brief “date” session. This is a great exercise for those wishing to hone their dialogue writing skills.

• Day 3: Name that Zoo

  A benefactor in your city has decided to open a new zoo. Though the city already has a zoo, and an original name must be devised for the new zoological park. Create a list of possible names. Examples: Wildlife World, Magical Menagerie, Animal Gardens. For those bulking up, select five of the names and write slogans for each one.

• Day 4: Fantastical Menagerie

  You’re the curator of a magical zoo. It’s full of extinct, mythical, and just plain weird animals. What animals will be in your collection? Feel free to experiment and mix and match different animals. Example could include: dodo birds; unicorns; Blue Flamingo, a pink flamingo injected with blue poison dart frogs to give it blue feathers; Horny Hippos, a hippopotamus with rhinoceros horns. For those bulking up, describe the enclosures for three of the animals.

• Day 5: Escape Plan

  List three of your favorite animals. Now select one of them. Pretend that you are a member of this species and  currently reside in a zoo. However, the zookeeper forget to lock the cage door. You’ve escaped. Where will you go, what will you do? For those bulking up, devise another ‘escape plan’ for another animal species.

  
  

Guest Post: Joe Allen’s “Round Trip by Ann Jonas”

Round Trip by Ann Jonas

by Joe Allen

Round Trip was one of my favourite books as a kid, something we borrowed over and over again from the library.  I remember being mesmerised by the moody black and white images within, and it really captured the feeling of sitting in the back of a car on a long journey.  But the most amazing thing about this book was how you could literally turn it upside down once you’d finished and read it back through.  I’ve never found anything like it since (apart from another similar book by Jonas), and I came across it online the other day so I decided to snap up a paperback copy and see if it was as I remember.

For some reason even back when I was a kid this book looked dated – maybe it was the font used on the front cover – but that didn’t mean I liked it any less. In fact, it only seemed to add to its mysteriousness.  And I like how unlike a normal book it is. No space is wasted, as on every page, as well as the front and back covers, there’s one of these rotatable pictures on it.  I’ll only show a photo of one of the images – if you really want to see the rest of the book I recommend buying a copy for yourself.  It’s just over £1 for a new copy on Amazon.

“Then we went to a movie,”

“Then we had dinner in a restaurant,”

The words are minimal – they’re simply used as a guide to identify these images, which, as you can imagine, might look a bit vague and ambiguous without any explanation. But that’s half of the fun, as your eyes and mind adjust to the picture in front of you and you realise what you’re looking at.  It’s tempting to scan the whole picture and try and imagine what the journey on the way back will look like, but you can never truly tell until you’ve actually flipped the book over and are travelling back through these oddly familiar pictures.

It must have taken Jonas a long time to conceptualise, draw and tweak these pictures until they all made sense.  Some are better than others, but the whole book is a fascinating journey. It’s still as magical as it was when I read it as a kid, and now I have an artistic and mathematical appreciation for these images which I wouldn’t have had before.

The strange feeling of desolateness/loneliness I got from reading the book as a kid is still there, and if you’re interested in cool books, magic eye puzzles, optical illusions or anything like that I’d recommend getting a copy.  It makes a great coffee table book.

Joe Allen, a broadcast journalist currently residing in Sheffield, UK with working experience in Japan. Mr. Allen is also the co-founder and operator of RingWriters. You can check out his bloggings at Jephso, and follow him on twitter @JoeAShef