Another Summer, Another Coaster list by USA Today

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2010-07-22-roller-coasters_N.htm

Discuss.

Paul Ruben. Need I say more?

Jiggly man boobs. Goes hand in hand with mentioning him.

I still don't know anyone who has actually seen anything he's written, or seen the magazine itself.

"MEH"

Harmless (the article, not Ruben's moobs).

I saw a picture that someone took of a Park World Magazine when they were rummaging around the old 'Christian' theme park that closed in Charlotte. They ended up taking the Magazine home, IIRC.

As far as the list, it came across as a couple of his personal faves, and some new ones thrown in as an attempt at promotion. Jeff, was he at I305's media day? No one mentioned that he was at Carowinds media day.

Not that it makes him any less of a tool, but Park World does have a website that includes articles. :)

The USA Today list doesn't really deviate that much from most top coaster lists/polls. I do wonder what Reuben has against Holiday World, though.

-Nate

I'm glad you mentioned that, Nate. I was going to and forgot. I think that the lack of inclusion of Holiday World's wooden coasters is odd.

Maybe it is because Holiday World refuses to scrape down to this guys level and give him swag to support their rides. Holiday World coasters speak for themselves. They don't need a shill like Ruben to promote them.

Holiday World aside, that's not a bad list actually. If I were a young coaster fan, I'd be interested in all of those (save for the Beast). I'd also include Voyage, Diamondback and El Toro.

Paul Ruben btw, is notrorious for his love of steel over wood.

I agree, Ravine Flyer 2 is awsome, But can't touch Voyage, maybe it's because I like long rides, But I feel like I'm going somewhere on Voyage.

I clicked on the link to ParkWorld's site and read his Manta media day review. Whats funny is I know a bunch of people who were there, and a couple of them didn't know who Paul Ruben was, and came back talking about some guy named Paul that was arguing with park reps because he wasn't invited, and demanded to be able to ride, and demanded to be part of the event.

One of the other people (who was invited) that was there with the person who was talking about it told him who that Paul was. Paul was also apparently upset he didn't get a Manta shirt.

The stories about Paul's antics are numerous and legendary.

"The pacing should provide non-stop action," Ruben says. "You should never have a moment to regain your composure."

And then he puts the Beast on the list?

And Thunderbolt. I enjoy both Beast and Bolt, but they both have lulls in the middle with the lift hills.

I like Paul Ruben, he's been around forever and always has nice things to say.

CoasterDemon said:
I like Paul Ruben, he's been around forever and always has nice things to say.

Either that's some pretty hardcore straightfaced sarcasm or it's the first time those words have been put in that order in a serious manner.

Not a lot of Ruben love floating around out there.

There isn't a lot of love for Paul Ruben in the industry either. Back when SFMM's Goliath opened I had dinner with a group of men who worked in various segments of the industry from magazine editors, public relations, to park CEOs...all of whom were out in Los Angeles for Goliath's media day. They all had stories about Paul and it was universally agreed that he was not liked and an a-hole.

CoasterDemon said:
I like Paul Ruben, he's been around forever and always has nice things to say.

Unless you don't give him what he wants then he threatens a bad review.

^It wasn't sarcasm, gonch :) None of us are perfect. I'm also an ACE member (silence and distant laughs....).