Mer

That is a good point about that area of London being in disrepair, but I think it's also that which some people have an issue with; I've heard many people who don't live in/near London say things along the lines of "I'm not benefitting from this/how does this benefit me?" I'm kinda stuck in the middle with this one I can see what they mean but...hmm... And yes, I forgot to say, the bit with the music going through the decades, I enjoyed that bit too

LOL! Love it

Well at first I didn't mind it...but over the months it has got on my nerves as it's just EVERYWHERE! So muchy hype during the build up and I almost feel pressued to watch it just because my country is hosting it. Grr. Opening ceremony was just random, especially at first. The Queen in the helicopter was a laugh though...and when she was caught picking her fingers I'm not really sure what exactly I was expecting but it just felt like a bit of an anti-climax. The torch/cauldron bit was good, shame the fireworks didn't last longer (and they ruined them by showing footage)...and then they dug Paul McCartney up yet again? Lawl! Was it me or can he just not sing? And his jaw looks like it's about to drop off. As for money...tbh, I'm still not clear on who exactly has paid, how, what exactly for etc...does it actually come out of our taxes? According to my brother it actually doesn't and is funded by London councils or something? Although it does make sense that we all have, one way or another, paid for it, seeing as it cost so dam much I cba to find out so don't shoot me down if I'm wrong or seem thick, k? So assuming we have...well tbh, I'd rather my money go towards the NHS or something more worthwhile (sounds predictable but it's my honest opinion!). I don't despise or begrudge it like some people do and I will probably end up watching some of it, but part of me can't help but think "We had a massive ceremony, 2 weeks of events (biggest sporting event, granted!) and then...that's it." OH and they're not even going to keep that McDonalds apparently? Fail So yeah, I neither love it or hate it for now, guess I shall see how I feel over the next 2 weeks!

I shall quote Liam's post from that poll here, as I thought it made an interesting point about Air's popularity in the coaster world vs the general public

Woo another female member There's not many here! Welcome to TPM Charlotte Hope you enjoy your time here, we're all lovely people so don't be afraid to come into the chat room in the evenings

I meant that I didn't say anything out loud, there and then, like they did to me. Now can we please move on? I'm not really enjoying all this

Fail because I didn't make that comment about them in public

Ugh why do some people think they can be rude in public and get away with it?! I was in town earlier and while I was there I went to Sainsburys as we needed a few bits. And I also got myself some Lime Vodka. Because sometimes, like many, many other people, I like a few drinks in the evening. OH NOES! So there I am at the checkout, and then these three hippos appear behind me. Oh sorry, I mean a fat grandmother, even fatter mum, and her fat daughter who had a face like a smacked arse, and they all sounded pretty common, like most of Crawley's residents. They stood there watching me put my stuff on the belt, which made me feel pretty awkward because they were being very blatant about it. Then on went the vodka. As I'm putting the basket down into the basket pile, fat mum says to fat granny "I wonder if she'll share that?" Fat granny: "What?" Fat mum: "That girl's bought some vodka, I wonder if she'll share it." Fat granny: "Ha probably not! And look, the woman in front of her's got two bottles of wine!" I'm sorry but...what?! Do people really have nothing better to do than gossip about someone's shopping? I mean they really can't have been that stupid to think I wouldn't be able to hear them. I made a point of turning round and looking at them but they didn't see, as at this point they were plonking all their cakes and buns onto the conveyor. It annoyed me so much though, really distracted me and even shook me up a little. Staring at someone whilst they do something is bloody rude enough IMO, but then to have the cheek to make snidey comments without bothering to keep their voices down, who do they think they are? Maybe I'm overreacting but I just can't help thinking "What did I do to deserve that?" Why is it their business what I buy, if I share it, and what gave them the assumption that I wouldn't? Well for the record chunkey monkeys, no I will not be sharing that vodka. Why? Because nobody I live with is interested in it or wants any. I'm 22, am I not entitled to by myself alcohol? Or because I'm young does that automatically mean that I binge drink or drink irresponsibly? Ugh You know, I should have turned around and said, "Are all those cakes for a party or are you planning to gorge on them whilst watching back-to-back Jeremy Kyle?" Oh and as for the woman who bought TWO BOTTLES OF WINE (!!!)...let's hope she shares them. Otherwise we must comtact AA as she clearly has a problem

Hmm yeah basically what everyone else has said Also you could always phone the park and ask if you're unsure

Yeah when I was there the ops could change the cycle, so presumably this is still the same. It's been a while since I've had a decent cycle tbh. Also is it me or does it seem to get good right at the end of the ride?

It's 3am, can't sleep and thought this would be an interesting poll as at one point these were the only two "big" coasters at Thorpe and its not been done before! I have a feeling I'll be shot down for even asking and for what my answer is, but it will be interesting to see everyone's opinions I have to say Colossus. Inferno is a good coaster and yeah it has some great, forceful moments (which often result on me coming off with a headache!) but it just doesn't do it for me for some reason. Yes it's fun but at the same time I find myself bored, dare I say it! Pre-lift is good fun, first drop with the kicker is good (and better than Colossus'), loop, zero-g and that turn are brilliant...but then that for me is where it loses it. I'm not saying the corkscrews and helixes aren't thrilling, because they are, I mean it's a coaster, of course they are to an extent. But for some reason (I really don't know why!) I don't find them *that* great. And then it ends! I know it's not all about ride duration and like I said it does some great elements in a such a short ride but I always feel like it's incomplete when it ends. The theming it does have, when working fully, is great, mainly the mist/tunnel and is better than Colossus, I'll give it that. And yes it's B&M, but I'm not going to let that sway my decision no matter how great they are Now Colossus...well I find myself more excited and occasionally a little nervous when going up the lift hill! I like the layout and love how it interacts so well with the queue and the guests. I always have a smile on my face, especially during the corkscrews and the inlines And that final inline...! When it hits the brakes I always have that "Phew!" kinda moment which I just don't get on Inferno, or at least not to the same extent. Theming...well the fountain and pit need sorting so it could be better but it still looks good and the soundtrack is just A good question is: how much does the theming and landscaping affect opinions? Hard to say tbh. Infernos theming is better but the effects have never worked fully for a decent enough period, but then neither has the Medusa fountain. So basically it's quite easy to imagine the rides without any theming But I would probably still say Colossus. Landscaping however, Colossus would be so bland without its interaction and would be duller... I honestly can't say if my opinion would change, but it would definitely be closer! One thing I will say; I really do miss the days of the lake under the inlines! Curse you Saw: Alive! So yeah: whilst Inferno has its good points and wins for theming, it feels like it's cut short whereas Colossus doesn't. I personally find Colossus more consistently thrilling and entertaining whereas I find Inferno lacks in the second half. Don't get me wrong - it is close! - but Colossus wins it for me! *Please don't hurt me!*

Has reminded me of the song "What shall we do with the drunken sailor?"

Is going to Disney in 5 months for their anniversary! Lucky!

When I was there on Wednesday they weren't selling Swarm Fastrack (had a sign that said it is currently unavailable and this was only at 1pm ish so I'm assuming it was because of the one train op and not due to selling out) but they let Ultimate Fastrack people through, didn't see anyone with any other tickets.

Thanks Ian and Sarah for the photos It's always nice to have them to look back on at after meets etc. And yeah we do look a bit dishevelled after all those inversions and the rain!

Seeing as there isn't a general sports topic I'll put this here Well done Andy Murray on getting through to the Wimbledon Final First Great British male finalist in 74 years

Massive thank you to Thorpe for arranging the whole event! It all went very smoothly and all the staff involved were professional yet fun and friendly throughout. Me and Ben managed 10 rides out of the 11 sent, had to take a break about halfway! It was great fun going 10 times even if it makes you sore and dizzy (I felt like I'd had a few drinks after 10 rides!), and a few of the rides were also in the ran which added to the experience! And closing our eyes throughout one of the rides was quite odd too! After the ERT we had a short "briefing" and then they brought out a cake and we sang happy brithday! We then lined up and drew straws as 3 people got to go up the lift hill. Mark9, Daniel9 and another member (can't remember their name!) were the lucky 3. Whilst they had their lift hill walk, the rest of us got Swarm lanyards with numbers on (which we were allowed to keep) so they could note us all down on a register, then we were split into smaller groups and taken around various areas of the ride: the maintenance workshop, brake run and underneath the final inline. All three areas were very interesting and we learnt quite a few things about the ride, and there were some things which even I didn't know despite working on it for 2 years! For example, they have wheels for winter and summer (and when its like it is at the moment they put a mixture of both wheels on!). Going under the final inline was awesome as you really see how low to th ground the ride actually gets! Oh and we got to go and touch the track We were also taken to the top section of Crust where we could get good photos of the four inlines. It's a shame that such a great and iconic view of the ride is hidden away form the public eye! We then all met back and they cut the cake, although I didn't feel like having any after all those rides! They checked everyone was there (and I have to mention Ben saying "Yes Miss" when they read his name out, that was just...brilliant! ) and then that was it! So all in all, a great event and some great opportunities to leanr more about the ride and ask questions. It was also great seeing everyone again and seeing some new faces too! Once again a big thank you to both TPM and Thorpe, and to the staff who stayed behind to run the event As Josh said, fingers crossed we will be privelaged with more events like this in the future!

Ah yes forgot about that! Well here's another one then Safari Skyway proved too exciting for Ben

This photo is begging to be captioned!

It's how many tokens are in the hopper, so that staff know they've got the right number rather than counting them, which is time consuming and pretty tricky when you get a group of people who just shove a **** load of tokens in your hand, plus there's only so many you can hold before you start dropping them. Yeah it is expensive, most places like that are tbh! Although with the 30 tokens for £20, you are payng about 66p per token and they used to be 50p years ago, so I guess that's something. Wristbands are £50 though LOL.