MINNEAPOLIS -- With the Mississippi River as a glimmering backdrop, the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers were kicking up their toes and heels to the accompaniment of the Yard Buzzard String Band -- entertainment that would be considered niche if you were anywhere but in the upper Midwest.
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Thrill-seekers searching for the new biggest, tallest or fastest roller coaster rush may be slightly disappointed this summer.

The 2007 class of coasters at amusement parks across America isn't a record-breaker. In fact, one park is dumping two of its old coasters and another is re-engineering a wooden coaster to make it a little less thrilling.

 

NEW ORLEANS - The filet of skate was pan-fried, served with an intriguing puree of parsnips and Yukon gold potatoes, mustard greens - quintessential soul food - and a Creole mustard beurre blanc.  

SANTA FE, N.M. _ A stairway leads to the basement, where broken furniture leans against walls and tools are scattered on workshop tables. Ernest Martinez opens a door to an office no bigger than a utility closet and ushers in a couple of visitors.  

ABOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS - The cottonwoods along the riverbank were ablaze with golden leaves as the train barreled into Gore Canyon in the Rocky Mountains. Steel wheels sang on the rails and the Colorado River was a constant companion. The only companion, really.