Back From Orlando - Boy Are My Legs Sore!

Well I survived the IAAPA convention and trade show. That is the Amusement Park convention to those who don't know. It is a zoo, but fun. The convention center in Orlando is about a 1/4 mile square and was full to overflowing with exhibits and suppliers.

Full sized rides set up both inside and outside. Free food, all fried of course, and lots of noise. After standing for 4 days and walking my ass off (unfortunately not literally) I am glad to be back in Dallas.

Didn't make it to any of the theme parks in Orlando, but I did get away one night to watch Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-D. That is a must see! The movie was not shot in 3-D but they used a very sophisticated conversion process to make it that way and it rocks. I suspect it took many thousands of hours to do it. Also saw a preview of a new live action movie shot in Digital 3-D that will be out in the spring. Also eye popping and fun.

I got some good business leads and made valuable contacts and caught up with a lot of old friends. Overall a good time. No pics, since they would not let cameras on the floor! (suppliers are so worried about their new ideas I guess)

Speaking of new ideas, I saw several cool new rides. I'll give descriptions soon.

Orlando, Florida Blogging - At The IAAPA!

I am attending the IAAPA convention and trade show this week in Orlando. It is the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions for the uninitiated. The trade floor is filled with vending supplies, games, consultants and even full sized rides. It is like a trade show on steroids and lots of fun as well as exhausting.

So why am I here? Well, I used to be in that business and now that I produce films and video I am soliciting business from parks and suppliers for industrial documentaries and instructional videos. Also, having a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

I will post pictures of the madness in the next day or so from my camera/phone. Back to politics as usual soon.

More Poison Chinese Toys - Time For A Change and A Boycot

OK folks this is getting out of control. China just announced it has confirmed the presence of poison on toy beads sold to children around the world. In this country the near toothless Consumer Product Safety Commission says now, seven children are sick from the toy beads.

The toys called Aqua Dots are made using toxic glue that is activated when the bad are exposed to water. Here’s the kicker, that’s how you play with them! When wet they stick together, big fun! Oh yea, and they poison you!

If the government won’t do it the American people need to. Time to boycott toys from China until the companies shipping the work overseas can assure the public their toys are safe. So I propose giving your kids books this Christmas, printed in the USA or Europe. For toys, consider some of the companies that actually make them here still or those from Europe. Chinese toys have been shown to be unsafe and manufactured in an irresponsible manner. If the government won’t stop it, the people must!