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Readers share amusement park memories

Readers share amusement park memories

Boston Globe3 days ago

edsox15
posted on bostonglobe.com
I was taking a class at my gym and the instructor was talking about their upcoming family trip that will include his kids' first visit to Story Land. Everyone — and ages in the class ranged from 70ish down to early 20s — had memories of going to Story Land and we were all so happy to hear it's still around and thriving. My favorite, though, is still the water park in Saco, Maine. Growing up we always did a week camping . . . and would do a day at Splashtown. One of these summers I'm going to take a day off and make the trip — be fun to try it as an adult.
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CadiaC
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posted on bostonglobe.com
Another vote for Story Land. We went 25 years ago and loved it. Went last year with grandchildren and it's even better. Particularly good for the young child . . . lots of sweet kiddie rides. Fantastic water park. And there is a 'scary roller coaster' (Roar-O-Saurus) — so scary that once was enough for me!
Mark123
posted on bostonglobe.com
This article reminds me of the ones we lost: Whalom Park, in Lunenburg; Paragon Park, on Nantasket Beach; Pleasure Island, in Wakefield; the coasters at Revere Beach and Salisbury Beach; and [Acushnet Park] in New Bedford.
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Stretch_1977
posted on bostonglobe.com
Lake Compounce 'has kept pace with the times, recently re-tracking the Wildcat (built in 1927) and Boulder Dash (2000) to give the wooden coasters faster, smoother rides.' Whaaa? The old school clickety-clacky, shaky, bumpy, tooth-rattling ride is what makes ancient wooden coasters great. Modern steel coasters do all kinds of crazy twists and turns, but they feel way too safe. Nothing imparts sheer terror like that sense that the car is going airborne and the whole ramshackle, bone-jarring assembly is about to fly apart.
GeoLove
posted on bostonglobe.com
Still on the Ball
These [older] women [soccer players] have given this old athlete who wakes up stiff and in pain the encouragement to keep going on with a smile on my face (
Swan Man
posted on bostonglobe.com
'Now 84, she has retired from competitive soccer . . . ' Gotta love it!
Evenspar
posted on bostonglobe.com
Self-Acceptance
Hahaha! I had no idea that I was embodying ajumma style until I saw an episode of
Kim's Convenience
where the young daughter donned white arm-covers and a visor and declared, 'Ajumma style!' (
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paulinlim
posted on bostonglobe.com
This line spoke to me: 'Becoming an ajumma is about taking power back.' It's a concept women of a certain age from all backgrounds can relate to, and should take to heart.
HazelTulip
posted on bostonglobe.com
The menopause part of life is so freeing. No more trying to appeal to male gaze. No more young children to cater to. No more appeasing husband. No more following our parents' old-fashioned rules. No more caring what neighbors think. It's absolute freedom. I see no negatives! We put ourselves first for the first time in our lives.
TeaCuppa
posted on bostonglobe.com
Game Day Decisions
Dude, your Connections stabbed me in the heart (
Eddie Finocchiaro
Marshfield
I also fell in love with the Celtics on a black and white TV. I'm a little younger than the writer, so my affair started in the mid-60s. Watching a game that appeared to be played in a snowstorm — the reception was not the same as today's cable. I started going to games in the '70s and held season tickets for the length of Larry's career. Too many games and memories to recount here, but my blood runs green, and always will!
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Steve6!
posted on bostonglobe.com
[Ross's] not once seeing the Celtics at TD Garden seems harsh. For all the nostalgia the original Garden brings, it's the team and the fans that make an atmosphere vibrant. I would watch the Celtics anywhere.
Dp515
posted on bostonglobe.com
People who never experienced it could never understand the experience of walking those ancient labyrinthine tunnels to arrive at the concourses and then past tall, velvet, theater-like curtains (yes) to enter an arena thick with ethereal cigarette/cigar smog (the people sitting across the court were only rumors to my child eyes). Today's experience is certainly more comfortable. That's all I'll say.
shmessy5
posted on bostonglobe.com
My first memories of the Celtics were listening to Johnny Most in the early '60s on my transistor radio under the covers because it was past my bedtime. Johnny was my old Boston Garden: I am still a fan, of course, but it was never the same after Johnny stopped screaming at the refs.
99999999-9
posted on bostonglobe.com
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Ranking all 16 Big 12 mascots from worst to first
Ranking all 16 Big 12 mascots from worst to first

USA Today

time2 days ago

  • USA Today

Ranking all 16 Big 12 mascots from worst to first

Where does Chip the Buffalo fall? When EA Sports' College Football returned in 2024, the development team announced that fan-favorite "Mascot Mashup" mode would not be returning for that entry into the series. In response to losing a mode that players touched maybe once or twice, college football fans were... outraged. That's because, unlike any other sport in the United States, mascots matter to college sports, especially football. Every college football fan has a fantastic childhood memory and at least one photo with their school's mascot, they're key to the atmosphere of Saturdays. Related: Ranking every Big 12 football stadium The Big 12 features iconic mascots, with some being around for as long as the football team itself, and while they each carry their traditions, some miss the mark. So let's break into our off-season bag and rank all 16 Big 12 mascots from worst to first. 16. Willie Wildcat (Kansas State Wildcats) As an alum of Wildcat high school, it pains me to rank Willie so low, but unfortunately, he makes me very uncomfortable. The Wildcat head is solid, the swoops from the logo are a nice touch, and letting him change his uniform with the team is fun. However, the lack of a full suit makes it difficult for me to support him and his weird proportions. 15. Brusier & Marigold (Baylor Bears) As someone who was horrified by most mascots as a kid, I can empathize with all of the children who have nightmares of Baylor's Bruiser and Marigold. Mascots can look fierce, but they still have to look inviting. Bruiser looks like he wants to make me his lunch, not take a photo with him. Bonus points for having both a male and female option, which boosts Baylor over Kansas State. 14. Pistol Pete (Oklahoma State Cowboys) The story behind Pistol Pete's look is fantastic, based on a real person named Frank B. Eaton's cowboy-esque adventure to avenge his father's death. However, I wish the look of Oklahoma State matched the intrigue of his backstory. The uncanny valley head is too much for me, despite a stellar look otherwise. 13. Cosmo the Cougar (BYU Cougars) BYU's mascot is an interesting take on the very common Cougar nickname and has had a spectacular run of acrobatic stunts as of late. His impressive in-game antics boost Cosmo way up the list, and I do like the white gloves; they bring the look together. Unfortunately, he can't go any higher than No. 13 because his empty eyelids are actively trying to take my soul away from me the longer I look at him. 12. Super Frog (TCU Horned Frogs) TCU is fighting an uphill battle, having to adapt a lizard to a human form, and they did a pretty fine job. The spikes near the hands are a nice touch, and like Kansas State, Super Frog will change his jersey alongside the team. Super Frog starts to lose me at the head. The eyes are much too close together, and the ruffles on his head make him look more alien than a horned frog. 11. The Bearcat (Cincinnati Bearcats) Cincinnati's mascot does a much better job balancing a fierce look without looking like a ravenous animal. The red touches on his eyebrows, ears and nose are a fun touch that separates this look from the other animal mascots in the conference. The whiskers kind of look like a mustache, which negatively impacts the look to me. Let's get that fixed on the next edition of The Bearcat. 10. Swoop (Utah Utes) Based on the regional red-tail hawk of Utah, Swoop gives me very mixed emotions. I love the tie to the region, and the head is an awesome look, but what are we doing with these arms? The half-fur and half-red athletic sleeve with some fur attached near the wrists is super awkward and hurts the look a lot. Swoop needs to decide if it's a hawk or a person, and until then, it'll stay at No. 10. 9. Shasta (Houston Cougars) The better of the two cougar mascots in the conference, Houston's Shasta, is the first inviting mascot on this list. The full suit is a welcome change from the others on the list, and I appreciate the cuter take on the mascot. The look is more complete and put together compared to BYU, and the whiskers are a nice touch compared to Cincinnati. Doesn't stand out too much, and it doesn't scare children, that's the perfect middle-of-the-road mascot look. 8. Cy the Cardinal (Iowa State Cyclones) It would be nearly impossible to replicate a Cyclone in mascot form, so instead, Iowa State opts for a cardinal who looks like they're up to no good. Cy's mischievous, full-toothed grin and commitment to being a bird are the primary reasons for their high ranking. Bonus points for the yellow legs, a fun detail to the look. Unfortunately, the back of their head gets a little wonky, and the eyes are off-putting enough to keep this Cardinal at eight. 7. Sparky the Sun Devil (Arizona State Sun Devils) Sparky the Sun Devil rides a fine line between creepy and Sunday morning cartoon villains. I think he sticks the landing with the latter, bringing Arizona State's iconic look to life in a fun fashion. I've got to give Sparky his flowers for his post-scoring pushups, which match the total of ASU's total points in football games, a big risk in the Big 12. Never too far from his pitchfork, Sparky is a unique and fun mascot. 6. Wilbur & Wilma (Arizona Wildcats) This dynamic duo of Wildcats has been married since 1986 when they were married on the field before the school's yearly matchup against Arizona State. Wilbur is always seen sporting his nifty sombrero, and Wilma has her bow, which gives a great deal of character to a very common mascot. It's a fun look with a surprisingly detailed backstory, which boosts the Arizona duo above their rival. 5. Mountaineer (West Virginia Mountaineers) West Virginia's Mountaineer is exactly the way to do a human mascot, and the look is super fun. Adorned with his raccoon cap and musket, the Mountaineer is so unique and ties into the region perfectly. It's no mistake that the school has no shortage of finding someone to play the Mountaineer every year. 4. Raider Red (Texas Tech Red Raiders) With a look harkening back to Looney Tunes' Yosemite Sam, Texas Tech's Raider Red clears any other cowboy mascot in the nation. The tradition of firing off two guns into the air after a Texas Tech score perfectly ties into the cartoon aesthetic and provides hype for the crowd. The oversized mustache and cartoon ears help Raider Red escape the uncanny valley and emerge as one of the best mascots in the Big 12. 3. Big Jay & Baby Jay (Kansas Jayhawks) Kansas' Big Jay is one of the only mascots I know who has a child, and I have to pay my respects to a mascot parent-kid combo. That's no easy task, nor was nailing the cartoony look of the Jayhawk logo, but Kansas did just that. Compared to the school's early attempts to replicate the logo, this look is stellar. 2. Knightro (UCF Knights) Unlike many teams on this list, UCF has the benefit of an easily adaptable and unique name, but the Knights still knock this mascot out of the park. The golden suit of armor looks stalwart and regal, but still inviting enough for a fun photo. While some might say the cape is overdoing it, I'd say they hate fun. 1. Chip (Colorado Buffaloes) Chip is the perfect mascot to me, and there's no Colorado bias at play here. While Chip isn't exactly intimidating, it nails the look of a fluffy Buffalo with little horns and a welcoming smile. He brings a fun cartoony look that counter-balances perfectly to Ralphie on the sidelines. He's also a three-time national champion mascot and talented snowboarder; what can't he do? Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

Readers share amusement park memories
Readers share amusement park memories

Boston Globe

time3 days ago

  • Boston Globe

Readers share amusement park memories

edsox15 posted on I was taking a class at my gym and the instructor was talking about their upcoming family trip that will include his kids' first visit to Story Land. Everyone — and ages in the class ranged from 70ish down to early 20s — had memories of going to Story Land and we were all so happy to hear it's still around and thriving. My favorite, though, is still the water park in Saco, Maine. Growing up we always did a week camping . . . and would do a day at Splashtown. One of these summers I'm going to take a day off and make the trip — be fun to try it as an adult. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up CadiaC Advertisement posted on Another vote for Story Land. We went 25 years ago and loved it. Went last year with grandchildren and it's even better. Particularly good for the young child . . . lots of sweet kiddie rides. Fantastic water park. And there is a 'scary roller coaster' (Roar-O-Saurus) — so scary that once was enough for me! Mark123 posted on This article reminds me of the ones we lost: Whalom Park, in Lunenburg; Paragon Park, on Nantasket Beach; Pleasure Island, in Wakefield; the coasters at Revere Beach and Salisbury Beach; and [Acushnet Park] in New Bedford. Advertisement Stretch_1977 posted on Lake Compounce 'has kept pace with the times, recently re-tracking the Wildcat (built in 1927) and Boulder Dash (2000) to give the wooden coasters faster, smoother rides.' Whaaa? The old school clickety-clacky, shaky, bumpy, tooth-rattling ride is what makes ancient wooden coasters great. Modern steel coasters do all kinds of crazy twists and turns, but they feel way too safe. Nothing imparts sheer terror like that sense that the car is going airborne and the whole ramshackle, bone-jarring assembly is about to fly apart. GeoLove posted on Still on the Ball These [older] women [soccer players] have given this old athlete who wakes up stiff and in pain the encouragement to keep going on with a smile on my face ( Swan Man posted on 'Now 84, she has retired from competitive soccer . . . ' Gotta love it! Evenspar posted on Self-Acceptance Hahaha! I had no idea that I was embodying ajumma style until I saw an episode of Kim's Convenience where the young daughter donned white arm-covers and a visor and declared, 'Ajumma style!' ( Advertisement paulinlim posted on This line spoke to me: 'Becoming an ajumma is about taking power back.' It's a concept women of a certain age from all backgrounds can relate to, and should take to heart. HazelTulip posted on The menopause part of life is so freeing. No more trying to appeal to male gaze. No more young children to cater to. No more appeasing husband. No more following our parents' old-fashioned rules. No more caring what neighbors think. It's absolute freedom. I see no negatives! We put ourselves first for the first time in our lives. TeaCuppa posted on Game Day Decisions Dude, your Connections stabbed me in the heart ( Eddie Finocchiaro Marshfield I also fell in love with the Celtics on a black and white TV. I'm a little younger than the writer, so my affair started in the mid-60s. Watching a game that appeared to be played in a snowstorm — the reception was not the same as today's cable. I started going to games in the '70s and held season tickets for the length of Larry's career. Too many games and memories to recount here, but my blood runs green, and always will! Advertisement Steve6! posted on [Ross's] not once seeing the Celtics at TD Garden seems harsh. For all the nostalgia the original Garden brings, it's the team and the fans that make an atmosphere vibrant. I would watch the Celtics anywhere. Dp515 posted on People who never experienced it could never understand the experience of walking those ancient labyrinthine tunnels to arrive at the concourses and then past tall, velvet, theater-like curtains (yes) to enter an arena thick with ethereal cigarette/cigar smog (the people sitting across the court were only rumors to my child eyes). Today's experience is certainly more comfortable. That's all I'll say. shmessy5 posted on My first memories of the Celtics were listening to Johnny Most in the early '60s on my transistor radio under the covers because it was past my bedtime. Johnny was my old Boston Garden: I am still a fan, of course, but it was never the same after Johnny stopped screaming at the refs. 99999999-9 posted on CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109‑2132. Comments are subject to editing.

The Only Grown-Ups Pub Crawl in Nashville: Where Whiskey History Meets a Damn Good Time
The Only Grown-Ups Pub Crawl in Nashville: Where Whiskey History Meets a Damn Good Time

Time Business News

time5 days ago

  • Time Business News

The Only Grown-Ups Pub Crawl in Nashville: Where Whiskey History Meets a Damn Good Time

If you're coming to Nashville for a night out, chances are you'll end up on Broadway. Neon lights, honky tonks, party buses—it's the stuff of country song legends and bachelorette party dreams. But what if your idea of fun involves a little more story with your whiskey? A night where the drinks are strong, the company sharp, and the conversation laced with history, not just hollerin'? Welcome to Nashville Adventures' Pub Crawl—the only Nashville pub crawl that blends Music City's deep whiskey roots with grown-up good times. This isn't your average bar hop. It's a guided tour through the spirited past of Tennessee's most storied drink, crafted for people who want their bourbon neat and their stories compelling. While other pub crawls in Nashville might lean into gimmicks and glitter, Nashville Adventures pulls something stronger off the shelf: history. This is the only Nashville Pub Crawl that embraces the real story of Tennessee whiskey, moonshine runners, speakeasies, and the wild men (and women) who built the state's reputation on the back of a barrel. Each stop on the crawl is chosen not just for the drink list—but for the story it helps tell. From Civil War generals who used whiskey for battlefield surgeries, to Prohibition-era bootleggers who ran routes across state lines, our guides pour out the past with every glass. Let's be honest—there are plenty of booze-fueled tours in town, but this is the one where you don't have to worry about getting hit by a pedal tavern. Nashville Adventures curates an experience that's equal parts social and smart. Our groups are smaller. Our guides are seasoned. And our humor is sharp enough to keep everyone laughing between sips. This isn't for folks trying to drink their age in Jell-O shots. It's for the curious crowd. The kind who ask what makes Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon, or why moonshine played such a huge role in rural Tennessee's economy. It's for grown-ups —in spirit, not just in age. This pub crawl is rooted in something deeper than a happy hour. Tennessee's whiskey history is inseparable from its cultural identity. The limestone-filtered water. The Scotch-Irish distilling techniques. The rebellion of small-batch distillers who defied prohibition. It's not just about alcohol—it's about American grit . On this crawl, we toast those rebels. We walk the alleys and backstreets where Nashville's liquid legacy was formed. And we sip the spirits that tell a bigger story about the South, its music, its politics, and its people. Led by Locals, Not Scripts : Every guide is a trained storyteller who knows Nashville inside and out—not someone reading from a printout. : Every guide is a trained storyteller who knows Nashville inside and out—not someone reading from a printout. Award-Winning Team : Nashville Adventures has been featured by NewsChannel 5, USA Today, and The Tennessean—and won the 2025 Nashville Hitmaker Award. : Nashville Adventures has been featured by NewsChannel 5, USA Today, and The Tennessean—and won the 2025 Nashville Hitmaker Award. Veteran-Owned, Community-Focused : A portion of all proceeds goes to veteran-focused charities, and the tour partners with local bars and distilleries to keep the economic impact in the neighborhood. : A portion of all proceeds goes to veteran-focused charities, and the tour partners with local bars and distilleries to keep the economic impact in the neighborhood. Flexible for Private Groups and Corporate Events: Whether you're hosting a team-building night or a private bachelor/bachelorette party, we tailor the crawl to you. If you're looking for a deeper sip of Nashville—one with heritage, heart, and high-quality pours—this is your crawl. Come thirsty for both spirits and stories and leave with a richer taste of the city. 📍Book now at and experience the only Nashville Pub Crawl that takes history as seriously as it does happy hour. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

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