JoshC.

More and theory, but so as not to spread the same discussion on different threads... From LC12.netPossible hint towards some sort of alien / monster being involved in the theme. If that were to happen (similar to Raptor in some ways I guess) I'd be very happy!

I spent too much money on Vampire merchandise today...To show off the XXI bear in all it's glory..

Part I on my photo heavy Trip Report. More to come in the next couple of days... ^_^So, set out to the XXI event today. After a couple of troubles, got there at quarter past 10. Now, I'm kicking myself over this. Outside the entrance (by Wild Asia) there was a Vampire character there, speaking to guests as they were going in. He was incredible at keeping in his theme. He even had an umbrella to 'protect him from the sun'. He spoke to me quickly, saying "If you see an animals escape, run as fast as you can..." To which I replied "But what if they're bats?" "Ah, the bats are fine, they are friendly..." Epic. But why am I kicking myself? I didn't ask to get a photo with him!! I didn't even take a photo of him! It just slipped my mind. :doh1 Anyway, just before we got out APs scanned to go in, he comes back from nowhere "Do you mind if a jump ahead, the sun is bad for me..." Again, just epic. Really wished I got a photo.I hope peep doesn't mind me stealing this. It was the guy on the far left of the photo - he was incredible. Kudos to him! :clap Anyway, headed down to AS and got my nan's wristband.I love this pond. Greenery and sprinklers = nice photo.Whilst waiting for the wristband to be collected:I remember being mesmerised by that as a child...After all was said and done, went over to Rattlesnake. My nan hates the ride, so me and my mum queued up for 5 minutes. I love this; definitely one of my top 5 rides still. We headed off to do Kobra, but many photos were taken on the way...Whilst leaving, saw the poster about the Vampire XXI event. Thought a photo was necessary; that's why we're here after all.My obligatory 'this is how the weather was' photo...Designated smoking areas. They are working effectively might I add. I absolutely love this theming!We had a fun ride on Kobra. I must say, I have forgotten how enjoyable it was - but also how much I hate the announcements and how painful it can be. Rather than go on another ride to wait until the next major ride, we decided to go to Lorikeet Lagoon. However, the Lorikeets hadn't been eating well recently, so we warned before we bought the nectar (which has gone up to £1!). Photo times happened of course:A group of them.Eating an orange, but no nectar After a bit of convincing them and some patience, they did come for some nectar. All good.After a great deal of time spent in Lorikeet Lagoon, we wandered over to the other side of the park:Oh yes, Twilight Zone time!I'll give a review elsewhere in case people don't want it spoiled. My mum and nan weren't keen on it for different reasons, I enjoyed however. Went in it again straight after (by myself) and a little later. Afterwards, we headed over to Vampire:Meh, random theming, but I like the fact we were able to ignore it. Also, I like how the exit is now divded into two, so disabled guests can get past easier. Got straight on, and absolutely loved it. Long live Vampire. Bought an ORP of it too. *Okay, I'm going to leave this for now. I've got so much to say, but not enough time. But don't worry, it will be finished!*

I honestly thought that was just me being slightly paranoid or something.. Seems as if this will be down longer than I originally thought, if no work has still been going on...

This is brilliant from Thorpe - I just love this. Great way of getting it in the public eye! Be very interesting to see what hints are dropped as this progresses...

And the fact that it's Easter Sunday!

Yeah, we're voting for regular AV. AV+, whilst more proportional, is more confusing what with the whole preference voting and a second vote for something else (don't know all the details of AV+).What I'm interested to know is when people say they don't want AV, they want 'proportional representation', what system would they like? STV? AMS? I'd much rather have FPTP or AV than systems that rely on silly formulae or quota to decide a result.. And don't get me started on the Regional Party List...

Using that logic, out of the given options of AV and FPTP, AV is better as it's more proportional. Unless you're saying that FPTP represents peoples' views...That, or I've completely misunderstood you

I agree that it's not the easiest of systems to understand; that is its weakest point. In fact, my Politics teacher at college explained it to us wrongly (twice) and explained it differently to another class (wrongly again!)

Whilst I understand that view, I don't want PR.What's the point in having a proportional system that means strong and stable government are out of the question? With PR, I think we'd be seeing more and more of these 'rainbow coalitions' that was discussed at the last general election, which I think is just a step back. Don't get me wrong, I don't think AV is the greatest system in the world, but it's a step in the right direction. If we were to swap to full out PR now, I could only see it have terrible consequences.

So, with the referendum just 16 days away, what's your view? Will you actually vote? (Seeinghow quite a lot people on here aren't eligible to vote due to age, this will probably end up being slightly more hypothetical, but meh).For those who have no clue what I'm on about... On the May 5th, a referendum about whether general elections is happening about whether general elections should switch from the first past the post system to the Alternative Vote (AV). It's binding, so whatever the result, that's the final answer.Personally, I support the yes campaign! Whilst AV might not be the simplest of systems, nor the most proportional, it's a step in the right direction. I'd much rather a slightly more complicated system, that allows us to have proportionality but still create strong governments, than a system that's disproportional but almost always creates secure governments.So yeah, discuss away.

I know a couple of people who quite enjoy.I just find it a bit boring really. Blood rushing to my head isn't the greatest feeling either..

It wouldn't be so bad if the sponsorship sorta reflected the whole idea of the ride. Then again, you don't get many things that you can sponsor to some secret government facility... Maybe Merlin should try for some upbeat themes in future?Anyways, not the biggest fan of it. Could be worse I guess, but could be a heck of a lot better...

Bubbleworks sponsored by Maynards.http://www.maynardsayschew.com/CHEW CHEW CHEW, CHEW CHEW CHEW

I'm still surprised by the sheer number of little kids that go to Thorpe!And now with Loggers, Teacups and Surge's height restrictions all up - the beach must seem more and more attractive for a warm day...

I really should learn to read all topics before I post stuff...I posted this in the merchandise topic half an hour after Ricky put it in here...

'Hard, fast and up in seconds.'I..don't know what to say...

What I really liked about my visit today was there was never any point where I didn't hear audio. It was just amazing.

Bloody heck, that just looks phenomenal!Everything about this ride just seems WIN. I don't think I've read one thing that's truly negative about this...

Bad shoulder, bad elbow.15 politics essays to write, along with other revision.Think I'll give up now...

I remember there was an article a couple of years back where a woman went to the press because her seatbelt wasn't locked on Colossus. The park's response was something along the lines that it was a tertiary restraint and was there as an extra.I'll try and find. Probably lurking about it some thread somewhere on here too...

Not too late to sign up is it? :PMy taste in music is a bit naff according to some people mind, and I don't have a Spotify so will have to sort that out, but yeah, I'll give this a shot. :(I'll review Dan's tomorrows, really can't be bothered tonight.

Thought it would probably be something like that..Would've thought they'd always need to have someone trained 'on duty' if you will though, as that 'just in case'?

You need someone trained to go and push it!? Is that H&S stuff or something?

Ditched you at the last minute? 2 days in advance is 'at the last minute'...?I've only ever been to Thorpe by myself once. I was meant to be meeting a friend at lunchtime, so got there an hour early to do Stealth - he hates the ride - and to take some piccys. Ended up that he couldn't find his Annual Pass and couldn't go. Thought I may as well stay for a while longer whilst I was there. It was naff to be honest. Just don't do it; really no point..