HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: preece@sbpexe.enet.dec.com (Ian Preece)
Subject: Re: Lightning
Reply-To: preece@sbpexe.enet.dec.com
Organization: None discernible.
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 09:36:38 GMT





Lightning can do some odd things, which simply "grounding everything" doesn't
always allow for...

A few years ago, a cat was hit while moored in the harbour here.
The energy seems to have hit the VHF antenna and then jumped down the
electrical
wiring, wreaking havoc on all the electrical systems.  There was no
fire,
but the transponder for the echo-sounder fired itself out of its
housing
like a shotgun cartridge, leaving a neat, round hole in the bottom of
the 
boat.....

Conicidentally, we had a major electrical storm here yesterday.....
quote from the TV last night:

Boat Owner:  "The lightning hit our antenna and blew out all the 
engine controls, the navigation system, the fuel pumps and the wiring"

TV Interviewer:  "So, what did you do ?"

Boat Owner:  " We stopped."


Ian
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ObDisclaimer:

       "I wouldn't *work* for a company that held opinions like mine."      

Ian Preece,                                         Digital Equipment, UK. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: olaf@snirddsc.sc.sni-usa.com (olaf kaestner)
Newsgroups: rec.boats
Subject: Open Water Rowing
Summary: Anybody in "rec.boats" interested in the above topics?
Keywords: rowing, open water, shells, Maas, P24
Date: 21 Jul 92 19:46:37 GMT
Distribution: ba
Organization: Siemens-Nixdorf Information Systems, Inc.

Hi, there!

If anybody in the Bay Area is interested in the above topics
let me know - I am!

Olaf
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: mangieri@asd2.jsc.nasa.gov
Subject: Fiesta Texas/Rattler
Organization: NASA / JSC
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1992 19:16:33 GMT

Well, I just got back from a weekend in San Antonio which included a trip to
Fiesta Texas. The park is really nice, completely cut into a limestone quarry.
At the risk of defying the charter of this group, I will describe some
non-coaster attributes of Fiesta Texas a little bit, and then focus on the
Rattler.

The themed areas are very well done. My favorite was Rockville. It looked like
something out of American Graffiti complete with restored 50's vintage cars.
Rockville High School, along with its show were excellent.

The laser/fireworks show was awesome. Picture this: a 300-400 foot limestone
quarry wall is the focal point of the show. You sit on the side of a grassy
hill to view the show. They project animated vector graphic based images via
laser technology onto the quarry wall. Images are from 100-200 feet tall, and
extremely crisp. Pyrotechnics are synchronized to the animation, for instance:
A cowboy riding a horse lifts his hands and fires his guns, and at the exact
point/moment that the animated gun fires, a simultaneous firework/explosion
occurs on the limestone wall at the tip of the gun. There were dozens of such
animations, all amazing: ZZ Top, Buffalo, Cracks in the Wall, a Rattlesnake
striking at the audience, Political figures giving speeches, etc.

Fiesta Texas has an integrated water park. We didn't try it because we arrived
at 5:00PM (half day rates).  It looked incredible , though. Quite a few
"coaster-like" water slides. The type where you ride in little rubber rafts
down a water shoot. Looked like a lot of fun.

Now for the Rattler. When we arrived, I dragged my crowd directly to  Crackaxle
Canyon/the Rattler. The line didn't look bad, and it wasn't. 15 minutes at
5:00PM. The first drop is incredible. If you don't hang on, you are completely
suspended against the lap bar. The second drop is pretty good as well: it's a
high speed banked turn into the quarry. The middle part of the ride is kind of
dissappointing. It's essentially a relatively low speed circular section of
track that circles 3 times. Then you are positioned for another high speed drop
(toward the end of the ride). This one brings you tearing through a tunnel
blasted out of the limestone cliff: awesome. That's about it. After the laser
show (about 10:40PM), we decided to try the Rattler on the way out of the park
(a night time ride). Much to our surprise it was another short line, only 10
minutes this time. This ride is much more intense/enjoyable at night. As the
coaster stopped at the loading bay, the operators offered to let us ride again.
We agreed and had a blast. 3 rides on the Rattler on a half day ticket, total
time invested experiencing the Rattler: 30 minutes. Not bad.

  
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: lhep_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Leonidas Hepis)
Subject: Need recommendations for r.c.'s in California
Organization: University of Rochester - Rochester, New York
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 92 20:42:03 GMT


I 'll be visiting California for a week begining this coming Thursday.
I will meet a friend of mine in San Jose and we will travel around.
We plan to visit San Diego, San Fransisco and Los Angeles.

We could steal a day (or half a day) to visit an amusement park. 
When it comes to roller-coasters,  I like airtime. Corkscrews and loops 
don't fascinate me.  Speed and weightlessness do.  So what are the
top roller-coasters in those areas that I shouldn't miss, and
what parks are they in?  

Please reply through e-mail (and before Wednesday evening :-).

Thanks a lot.

-leo

ps. any advice on times and days *not* to be at a park (like if the
park is rented out or something) is appreciated.  Any other general
advice on how to get to the parks will also be useful. Thanks.

-- 
Leonidas Hepis              lhep_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu         
Box 276169 , Rochester, NY 14627 , U.S.A.                           

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Subject: Re: Road Trip Report
Summary: Forgotten points.
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 23:01:39 GMT

Buck writes about his road trip, and comments on Six Flags Over Georgia. But
IMHO he forgot to mention that this is one of the worst laid-out parks of
all the theme parks I have ever been to. I'm talking about the large
number of dead-end cul-de-sacs around the park. You think that you can get
there from here, but you find yourself down another dead end! And boy are then
known for making you walk far from a coaster exit to get back into line for
the same ride (the Mind Blender comes to mind in this category). Other than
that, Buck seemed to miss rating the kiddie steel coaster at Pavillion in
Myrtle Beach; it's kind of unusual with its theming, but otherwise is
unremarkable.
Tom "I'm jealous" Maglione
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: ACE: IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH?
Date: 30 Jul 92 13:16:16 GMT
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

HA!


I have a clipping from UNIX REVIEW on my office wall which reads:

	"The first thing you should know about the concept of ACE
	 is that it's not just a concept!"


8^)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wbrs@binah.cc.brandeis.edu (WBRS-FM 100.1, Waltham MA USA)
Subject: Book
Reply-To: wbrs@binah.cc.brandeis.edu
Organization: Brandeis University
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 18:32:54 GMT

Looking back on my post, I see why just the title wasn't very informative.  
Sorry. The book was published a few years ago and the author's name is O'Brian.
It is basically a reference book containing every park in the US and a few in 
Canada.  It has a list at the beginning of the top ten Roller Coasters 
(in O'Brians opinion.)  Overall a great book. I'm very interested in Coney Isle.
Info.
			-Kira
From: cel@nsscmail.att.com (clayton EDward LEIHY iii)
Subject: ACE: IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH?
Followup-To: rec.roller-coaster
Organization: NCR Systems Support Center - New Jersey
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 18:53:52 GMT

I just received my newest issue (September 1992) of _UNIX_REVIEW_ today.

One of the Cover Stories featured inside was the Subject: line above.
I'll probably remember this each time I sit down in a coaster from
now on.    8-)

Ed Leihy
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: FAQ FYI -- (Was Re: Fiesta Texas/Rattler)
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 15:33:51 GMT

Rendell H Bird writes in response to mangieri@asd2.jsc.nasa.gov:


>I realize that the FAQ was just recently posted here, but it sounds like
>it needs to be posted again. *Any* aspect of the amusement-park business
>can be discussed here, including the *wonderful* theme-ing of Fiesta
>Texas. The name of the newsgroup may be 'rec.roller-coaster' but discussions
>are not to be limited only to coasters...

Rendell is correct -- the FAQ *specifically* states this newsgroup
is open for the discussion of all aspects of Amusement Parks and their
inherent attractions!!


BTW -- The FAQ will be posted again, probably at the beginning of next
month (circa Aug 1).  Some readers of the newsgroup have sent info requests
(for incusion) and opinions for modifications.  THIS IS GREAT -- I
will note that I support this, and ENCOURAGE readers of this newsgroup
to send me their thoughts on the FAQ ... I'll gladly make modifications
and enhancements to it for the betterment of our newsgroup.

Admittedly, when I received the electronic copy of the last FAQ, it
was somewhat out-dated, and definitely needed an overhaul.  I did
my best to clean it up and bit for the most recent posting of it,
however, there were some oversights on my part.  This just goes to
show how important it is for this readership to voice their thoughts
and opinions on it...so we can maintain it's integrity.


Regards,
Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: jhansen@convex.com (James Hansen)
Subject: Schedule for Great America
Organization: Engineering, CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 16:51:42 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

Can someone tell me what the park hours for Great America will be during
the week of September 19 thru September 26, 1992?

Thanks!

--
James B. Hansen                                  {sun,uunet}!convex!jhansen
CONVEX Computer Corporation                              jhansen@convex.com
3000 Waterview Parkway, P. O. Box 833851
Richardson, TX 75083-3851                              Phone: (214)497-4802
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: Book
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 12:22:12 GMT

Kira writes:

>Looking back on my post, I see why just the title wasn't very informative.  
>Sorry. The book was published a few years ago and the author's name is O'Brian.
>It is basically a reference book containing every park in the US and a few in 
>Canada.  It has a list at the beginning of the top ten Roller Coasters 
>(in O'Brians opinion.)  Overall a great book.

That would the THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE by  Tim O'Brien.
Agreed, and *excellent* book -- I love it...it really
gets me around the country!!  Highly recommended (see the
FAQ for more info on this book).


Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wbrs@binah.cc.brandeis.edu (WBRS-FM 100.1, Waltham MA USA)
Subject: Legoworld
Reply-To: wbrs@binah.cc.brandeis.edu
Organization: Brandeis University
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 19:16:06 GMT


Hi all,
	Just heard news that a bigger and more amusement park type version of 
the Denmark Legoland may be headed to Mass., I am so excited.  I'll post any
other info. I hear.  Also, what is the general consensis on Cedar Point in 
Sandusky OH?  Any news on what the new theme park at DisneyWorld is gonna be?
			-Kira
From: mjk@icf.hrb.com (Michael J. Kelley)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Sidewinder..Whewwww!!
Date: 27 Jul 92 09:35:04 GMT
Organization: HRB Systems, Inc.

Just spent the day at Hershey park at our company picnic. It's not a park for
the roller coaster fanatic, but I did want to mention the sidewinder coaster.
The ride has two inverted loops that turn you sideways while also turning you
upside down. Similar to a corkscrew, but they're not shaped in the typical
corkscrew configuration. Then once you exit the two inverts you hit a standard 
loop. The ride then goes up a hill and stops. A chain then pulls you up an
additional 30-40 feet and when you hear the airbrakes let loose, you go back
through the loops backwards. The ride forward through the loops was fun, but 
going back through them backwards was a totally new experience. It litterally 
took my breath away. My son and I were in the front car. so when we went
backwards, we had the longest drop down the hill. Yeehaaaaaa!!! 

Are there any other parks that have roller coasters that go through the loops
backwards?? I'd love to ride them!! 

Also, does anybody more familiar with Hershey Park know why they took out the 
skyride?? They had it two year's ago. The cages had names of different coal
companies on the sides. 


                                                              Mike Kelley
                                                              HRB Systems
                                                              St. College, Pa.

###############################################################################

###############################################################################
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: A rumor from a very knowledgeble source
Keywords: rumors, Kentucky Kingdom
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 12:43:02 GMT

Christopher E. Hagen writes:

>     I ran into an "upper management" type at Kentucky Kingdom this weekend
>(who wishes to remain anonymous) who says that they hope to put up
>a one-of-a-kind new type of rollercoaster at K.K. for '94. All he would
>tell me is that it was steel, was 180 feet, and that they were to start 
>construction sometime next summer/early fall.

Ahhh, so that rumor *was* true!!  I heard about that one back
in the Winter of 91/92, but was skeptical.


>    *yipppeee*  they are finally turning into a *real* amusement park... They 
>are installing a vekoma family roller-coaster and a few other small attractions
>next year, 
>
>  I asked him what *type* of rollercoaster, but he just smiled when 
>I mentioned B&M, arrow pipeline, ect.   Although in talking a while with 
>him, I found he is very fond of shwarzkov (sp) designs.... and he is in a >position to decide where the park is concerned. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm :)

Well, here's a tidbit for you.  Kentucky Kingdom has a 5 year contract 
with Vekoma Intl. that will last until 1995.  Look at what the park has
already installed by the firm (Boomerang steel coaster, ferris wheel,
and next year a Roller Skater kiddie steelie).  As previously mentioned,
I heard that a Mega-steelie Multi-Element-style coaster by Vekoma could be 
a possibility in the future.  I know the company is looking to build one,
and since they have the contract with KK...

I've heard it will be a 6-looper (sort of along the lines of the Kamakazi/
Ninja 5-looper which was installed this year at SFoG).   It could be
interesting...we'll see.


Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: Busch Gardens v Kings Dom
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 12:31:02 GMT

Jennifer Brodt posts:

>Here's a rundown of what coasters are at each park:
>
>Kings Dominion
>--------------
> 
>  Anaconda -- It puts you upside down about 4 times and takes you through
>              an underwater tunnel.
> 
>  Rebel Yell -- Standard woodie with parallel tracks.  One track rides the
>                train forward and the other is backwards.
> 
>  Shockwave --  A single looping stand-up coaster
> 
>  The Grizzly -- Another standard woodie built in the woods.  Most of the track
>                 is hidden from view from the rest of the park.

also...

   Avalanche Bobsled -- a 7 car train bobsled ride by MACK of Germany.
		I personally like this ride tons better than the Intamin
		bobsled rides at the various SF parks (the ending helix'
		are great)

   Scooby Doo -- a junior woodie modeled after the old Schmeck/PTC woodies
		of old.  Adults can ride this baby, and it's a pretty 
		decent little ride!!

**********************************************************************

>I hated Busch Gardens (except for Nessie and BBW).  I would go to 
>KD over BG any day.

I don't know who wrote this, but I'd disagree with it.  For my 0.02
of the day, *I'd* go to Busch before I'd go to KD...anyday!  So thair!!


B.
From: sar@sys.uea.ac.uk (S.A. Rush SYS PG)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Recommendations
Summary: Recommendations for really good roller-coasters
Date: 31 Jul 92 10:22:55 GMT
Organization: UEA School of Information Systems, Norwich, UK.


Dear All, 

  I recently sent this to rec.travel as I didn't know anything about
this group. Here it probably counts as a request for the FAQ file, so
if such a thing exists I would appreciate a copy. So  ...

  A friend is really mad about Roller-Coasters, and is looking for
recommendations about where to go. She has heard that Blackpool
(England) is building the biggest in the world, but that it won't be
finished for another couple of years. 

  She would like to hear about "the best roller-coaster in the world",
but would also like to hear about any theme parks etc which have a
whole heap of good rides.

  At the moment, this discussion is only theoretical, so suggestions
can be for anywhere in the world. Perhaps if people are really
enthusiastic then it may influence her holiday plans for the coming
year. 

  Lots of responses please, as I think they will really brighten up her
day. 

                    Thanks loads and loads 

                                  Steve R

--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
S.A.Rush                           School of Information Systems,
JANET : sar@uk.ac.uea.sys          University of East Anglia
Tel: (0603) 56161 ext 2308         Norwich NR4 7TJ, England.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: Road Trip Report
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 12:36:06 GMT

Tom "I'm jealous" Maglione writes:

>Buck writes about his road trip, and comments on Six Flags Over Georgia. But
>IMHO he forgot to mention that this is one of the worst laid-out parks of
>all the theme parks I have ever been to. I'm talking about the large
>number of dead-end cul-de-sacs around the park. You think that you can get
>there from here, but you find yourself down another dead end! 

Oh yeah...that!  8^)  Tom is 100%  Trying to get from NINJA to the
Mindbender is a feat in and of itself!!  (or from CA Cyclone to NINJA)
I agree in full this is the worse laid out park in history...I was
furious after my 3rd dead end, and demanded  directions from a park
employee.  Those useless maps do not help in the least!  8^(



>Buck seemed to miss rating the kiddie steel coaster at Pavillion in
>Myrtle Beach; it's kind of unusual with its theming, but otherwise is
>unremarkable.

That is because Buck didn't ride it!  Can't rate what ya didn't ride.
After my jaunt from Atlanta, I was in no mood to ride any kiddie 
steelies.  


********************************************************************

Next week's Road Trip Report -- Midland PA


"I'm Broke" Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: daytrpr@max.u.washington.edu
Subject: Splash Mtn.
Organization: 
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 21:04:47 GMT




I know this isn't exactly a roller-coaster question, but could people
give me their impression of the Splash Mtn. ride at Dizzyland.  Is it
worth the wait in line?

BTW, I'm a fan on mildish coasters (Big Thunder, The Whizzer (formerly??)
at Great America, etc.).  I'll go so far as to ride stuff like the Demon
at Great America, but I HATE MONSTER-SIZED DROPS!  Anyone have any other
western US Canada ride suggestions???  Thanks


Daytrpr@max.u.washington.edu
From: rhino@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Hurricane Update
Keywords: SCBB, Hurricane, SDC Windstorm.
Date: 29 Jul 92 16:14:24 GMT
Reply-To: rhino@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us


    The new track section came in last Friday, and yesterday the crane was
out tring to put everything back together.

   Important note:  The area being reworked is nowhere near the inverted
loop.  As you come out of the second turn, you hit a fairly steep drop and
then turn right to set up for the inverted loop.  It's the bottom of the
drop that's been yanked.

   Target date for reopening is the Aug 8-9 weekend.  More as it happens.

-Jim Jensen
rhino@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us
The Santa Cruz Seaside Company pays me to wax floors, scrub toilets, and set
up a wedding reception for 500 people in two hours.  They do not pay me to
think.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: Hurricane Update
Keywords: SCBB, Hurricane, SDC Windstorm.
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 18:38:59 GMT

Jim sez:
>>   Target date for reopening is the Aug 8-9 weekend.  More as it happens.


Rendell sez:
>I am going to be in your part of the country soon. Please keep us all
>informed. I would relish riding another of the S.D.C. Windstorms; I will
>just be more careful to hold on TIGHTLY this time


and I say:

from the sounds of it, you won't have to hold on tightly when they're
done mucking with this coaster!!  8^(
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wjf@controls.ccd.harris.com (Bill Figie)
Subject: Re: Busch Gardens v Kings Dom
Originator: wjf@rs2
Organization: Harris Controls
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1992 11:16:29 GMT


I might as well put my 2 Halalas (that is Saudi money that is somewhat equivalent
to 2 cents) in to this conversation.  Both KD and Busch Gardens are excellent
parks.  Busch Gardens is about the most beautiful park in the whole world (or at
least any I have visited in the US and Europe).  It has some great spin-and-barf
rides, wonderful shows, and some pretty good coasters for steel coasters.  The
Big Bad Wolf is one of the few steel coasters to make my top 20 (maybe even a top
10).  Don't miss Questor.  I really enjoyed it.  It is a simulator.  As far as
the simulators go, it is about the best. 
	KD is also an excellent park.  My only complaint is that KD doesn't seem
to have enough spin-and-barf rides.  They have what looks to be a very nice water
park in the middle of the amusement park.  This really gives you some bang for
you buck there.  I especially enjoyed the Rebel Yell (backwards especially) and
the Grizzly is awesome.  I can't get enough of that ride.  Make sure you get some
rides in at night on it.  It is a top 10 coaster if there ever was one.  
	The parks are very dissimilar.  KD is more like an amusement park with a
theme.  BG is a theme with a park built inside it.  If you love trees and shade
(and hills) BG is the place to go.  There is no way I could decide between them. 
Go to both.  You won't be sorry.

			Bill "make mine wood" Figie
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster