The Real American Amusement Park Experience

     I have been to a handful of amusement parks in my lifetime.  There's the Disney park system in Orlando, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, Hershey Park, Six Flag's Over Georgia, Six Flag's Over St. Louis, Dorney Park, etc.  

     As popular as the parks at Disney World are, the true American thrill can be found in the Six Flag's chain.  From the different countries at Epcot to Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Disney offers a great experience with varied attractions.  I love Disney, but when I am craving an amusement park experience, the first place I think of is Six Flag's.  Who really wants to sing "It's a Small World After All" on a rowboat going about a mile an hour?  Disney does have a handful of thrills, but they are cluttered with 3-D movies, kid zones, mild rides, etc.  There is too much creativity!  All a theme park needs is thrills.  Six Flag's understands this concept very well.  

     A real thrill-seeker must chose a park like Six Flag's because Six Flag's gets down to business.  Almost every ride at the Six Flag's I go to is an intense roller coaster.  I could care less about a dinosaur popping out at me if it means the ride will not be as fun.  I want my legs to dangle in the air and the wind to blow my hair as I look to the blue sky while riding a roller coaster.  I want back to back thrills, even if it means the risk of throwing up.  Real Americans go to amusement parks for many wild rides, and Six Flag's provides that experience.

Speak Up or Die

     It has become way too common for football players to suffer from heatstroke. Is it a mistake that coaches are making or the players? In my mind, it is an inner struggle that the players must face in order to avoid heatstroke and death. Coaches have their practice plans and will most likely stick to them. It is up to the player to prepare as necessary when it comes to hydrating properly, getting enough rest, and staying in shape.
     When a player gets to the point that they throw up multiple times from a workout it is necessary to stop. Who doesn't have the common sense to know that? Korey Stringer, an ex-Minnesota Viking, threw up three times during a practice one summer day and did not consult a trainer until after practice according to this article at http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2001/0731/1233494.html. By then it was too late, and he trageically died at the young age of twenty-seven. I must wonder what goes through a person's head that keeps them from seeking help when they begin throwing up, seeing stars, etc. from a workout. Is it the pressure to impress teamates, coaches, and fans? No one will know what went through Korey Stringer's mind that morning, but atleast heatstroke awareness increased after this tragic event took place.
     People will go to great lengths to not look weak in front others, which is my only guess as to why Stringer continued particpating in that practice. This is a common theme in athletics ranging from middle school to the professional level. Athletes must be more cautious when proceeding into an intense workout.