Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Myrtle Beach Pavilion

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Myrtle Beach Pavilion Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jeremy Levine, 2005. Licensed to About.com. Special Note: The park closed permanently in 2006. A handful of the rides are now at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Rides and attractions: Wood coaster, wild mouse coaster, two dark rides, river raft ride, log flume, vintage carousel, thrill rides, kiddie rides, clown shows. Photo Gallery: Scenes from The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park See the Park Being Torn Down: Myrtle Beach Pavilion Demolition Photo Gallery Overview: The following info was written when the park was still open: Myrtle Beach is in a period of transition. Vacationers have always flocked to South Carolina's Grand Strand for its miles of glorious beaches, and Tiger Woods wannabes still descend on the golf-mad area for its 120 courses (and nearly 50 mini-golf courses). But for generations of fun-seekers, The Pavilion, and the arcades, gift shops, food joints, and other funky, honky-tonk establishments that surround it have also defined Myrtle Beach. That may be changing as developers kick around plans to gentrify and redefine the area. And that would be a shame. The free-admission park crams a surprising number of rides and attractions into its compact, 11-acre footprint. The highlight is The Hurricane, a CCI-built wood coaster that straddles one side of The Pavilion. Other signature attractions include the Haunted Hotel, a wonderful, traditional dark ride that incorporates Disney-style illusions, Treasure Hunt, an interactive dark ride in which passengers rack up points by shooting Pirate Booty targets, and the Hydro-Surge river raft ride. The park also offers some wild thrill rides like a Top Spin and Enterprise, as well as a stunning 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel and a decent collection of kiddie rides. But The Myrtle Beach Pavilion is more than a collection of rides. There's something about the sand, the surf, and the screams of coaster riders that dovetail perfectly. The smell of the salt air complements the distinctive aroma of the fries, and a shoreline sunset melds seamlessly with tacky, mismatched carnival lights. Seaside parks are a piece of Americana that's quickly fading. Visit The Pavilion before its rough-hewn, shaggy charm gets tossed out to sea in favor of some bland, homogenized mall-like retail-dining-entertainment complex. Instead of authentic greasy burgers at the vintage food stand, they'll be serving retro greasy burgers at the corporate restaurant chain.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: New Rides at Six Flags 2012

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

New Rides at Six Flags 2012 Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jan 26 2012 After a few years in which the park chain had been trying to become more family-friendly, the latest management team is returning Six Flags to its tried and true formula of amped-up, teen-targeted thrills. That's not to say that every park will be getting a new heart-pounding roller coaster in 2012 (although there are a couple of cardiac-crazy thrill machines on the way). But the emphasis is clearly on white knuckles once again. While a major thrill ride may or may not be heading to your local Six Flags, you can be sure that something will await you in 2012. The company says it is committed to reinvesting and bringing new attractions to each of its parks. But it is a bit liberal in its use of the term, "new." As has been the case recently, the chain will be shuffling rides around amongst its parks. In some cases, the "new" attractions will really be relocated older rides that will be getting different names, fresh coats of paint, and new leases on life. Among the highlights are a few attractions that may inspire ride warriors to book long-distance trips. California's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, for example, will be getting an intriguing new Superman coaster that will use a novel layout and ride system to approximate a flying experience. The world's tallest vertical drop ride is on its way to Six Flags Magic Mountain, also in California. And Six Flags Great America in Illinois will be spreading its wings with a wild take on a new(ish) coaster concept. These and other developments are detailed below. You may want to start getting your knuckles in shape for the thrills ahead. Looking for Six Flags tickets? Save money and time. Buy direct discounted tickets online from Six Flags. In addition to all of the Six Flags goodness, there are many other plans underway at a host of parks. To see what's happening during this especially exciting time, go to What's New at Theme Parks and Amusement Parks. THE SIX FLAGS 2012 RIDE GUIDE The guide is arranged alphabetically by US state. Canada's La Ronde and Six Flags Mexico follow at the end of the list. CALIFORNIA Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA Superman Ultimate Flight The unique launched coaster will send passengers soaring up, up, and a way up a 150-foot-tall loop. Instead of a more traditional coaster experience, in which gravity would then take over, the new Superman thriller will instead hold riders for a few tentative moments and then blast them into a second inversion down the opposite side of the loop. Sound confusing (but nonetheless tantalizing)? Perhaps this video will help explain it better: Superman Ultimate Flight Animated Preview Video Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, CA Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom When it debuted, Superman: Escape from Krypton was the tallest coaster in the world. It's since been eclipsed, but it's still pretty dang tall. By attaching a drop ride to the back of the coaster's tower, Six Flags will now be able to boast that it will have the world's tallest (and scariest?) freefall ride. Read more about Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Drop of Doom Preview Video GEORGIA Six Flags Over Georgia Austell (near Atlanta), GA New Shows OK. So maybe Six Flags cheated a bit, when it said that it would introduce major new attractions at all of its parks. The promise of six new shows probably won't get the turnstiles spinning madly at the Georgia park. But, 2012 will be the park's 45th anniversary, and one of its shows will feature its celebrated history. Also, since Six Flags introduced Dare Devil Dive, a "Euro-Fighter" coaster that sends riders straight up and beyond straight down a 95-foot top-hat tower, in 2011, perhaps we should cut it some slack in 2012. Six Flags White Water Marietta (near Atlanta), GA Nothing new announced to date for the water park in 2012. ILLINOIS Six Flags Great America Gurnee, IL X-Flight The wing coaster, one of two debuting in 2012 (the other one will be at Dollywood in Tennessee), will bring a new style of seating to the ride experience. You can read more about the wacky thrills in store at my X-Flight overview. X-Flight Preview Photo Gallery X-Flight Preview Video MARYLAND Six Flags America Mitchellville, MD (near Washington, D.C.) Apocalypse Although it sounds fashionably ominous (2012 is the year of the much-prophesized end of the world as we know it, after all), the new coaster coming to Maryland is actually an old standup coaster that has been giving wedgies to riders at Six Flags Great America in Illinois since 1990. MASSACHUSETTS Six Flags New England Agawam, MA (near Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT) Goliath Another transplant (this one was originally at Six Flags Magic Mountain where it was known, coincidentally, as Deja Vu), Goliath will be a shuttle coaster. Unlike the more typical shuttle boomerang coaster, Flashback, that is already at the Massachusetts park, however, this ride will be considerably taller and faster and will feature an inverted train that will hang beneath the track. MISSOURI Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, near (...come on, you know what city it's near) Bonzai Pipeline Hurricane Harbor, the adjacent water park that is included with admission to Six Flags St. Louis, will be getting an Aqua Loop water slide that will nearly send riders upside down as they soar at speeds up to 40 mph through its clear acrylic tube. NEW JERSEY Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ SkyScreamer A spinning swing ride, SkyScreamer will rise 240 scream-inducing feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. The park will also be getting new bumper cars and a Scrambler spinning ride. NEW YORK The Great Escape Queensbury (near Lake George), New York Splashwater Kingdom, the water park that is included with admission to the park, will be getting two new rides: Alpine Freefalls will feature a nerve-wracking speed slide that riders will start by entering a "Skybox" capsule with a trap door. The slide complex will also offer a four-lane mat racing slide. TEXAS Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, TX SkyScreamer Another one of the spinning swing rides coming to Six Flags parks, the Fiesta Texas version will rise about 200 feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. Six Flags Over Texas Arlington (near Dallas), TX New Show Another one of the chain's parks (like Six Flags Over Georgia), that won't be getting anything truly major in 2012. At the time this article was written, the best the park could come up with is that it would be getting a new live show. Then again, like the Georgia park, Six Flags Over Texas debuted a well-received ride in 2011, the "new" Texas Giant, and perhaps should be forgiven for keeping it modest in the coming year. CANADA La Ronde Montreal, Quebec Vol Ultime A swinging tower ride that will soar about 150 feet will open this season. MEXICO Six Flags Mexico Mexico City Nothing new announced at the time this article was written. Sheesh Six Flags! You did promise that you would be introducing some major new feature at all parks, si?

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PRE-ORDER HOLD ON 'TIL THE NIGHT NOW!

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Greyson's debut album Hold On 'Til The Night is just over a week away! Make sure to pre-order your copy now!

- Order through Greyson-Official.com to get a a handwritten lyric sheet with the album (some are even signed by Greyson!). Click HERE!
- Order through Greyson's official web store to get an exclusive t-shirt with your album. Click HERE!
- Order through iTunes to get it the second it's released on August 2nd! Click HERE!




source: Greyson Official Website

Countdown to HOTTN – 7 DAYS: Hold On 'Til the Night

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This song is very meaningful to me. When I went into the studio to write this record I was kinda sad. I was away from home, missed my friends, and I needed some courage. So I went into the studio and told myself that I was going to write a song that was about gaining confidence. And this was the result. I love the lyric, "Running to the light, get out of your own way, not afraid to fight, believing what you say." I am telling my fans to not be afraid. Whenever I listen to this song I instantly feel happy and strong.
Pre-order Hold On 'Til the Night here!

Greyson Chance Interview: Greyson's VMA Picks, Cougar Fans & His First Car

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Greyson Chance out-"Paparazzi"-ed Lady Gaga last year when the YouTube video of him performing the Gaga hit went viral. Tens of millions of views and one brand-new record deal later, Greyson's now releasing his own album, Hold On 'Til The Night, and he's currently out on the road to promote it. Oh, and he's only 13. IDK what to tell ya, everyone else -- get better at stuff.Greyson stopped by Buzzworthy HQ to answer a couple questions, and also sit in front of a yellow backdrop and look totally adorbz. When asked about his fan base and the kinds of people who show up to his shows, it turns out young Greyson is kind of a cougar magnet. But he's not complaining. It sounds like the younger ones are a little more zealous about their fandom, though: "They sometimes knock on the door [of the bus] like, 'Hey, it's your manager. Answer! Answer!' and I'm like, 'I know it's not you, but I'll come out anyway." Brave soul!Greyson also gave us his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs: "[Katy Perry's] 'Last Friday Night''s a good one. I really want 'Judas' and 'Born This Way' to win for Gaga 'cause she's close to my heart." Nepotism? Nah.+ WATCH GREYSON CHANCE'S BUZZWORTHY INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP!When it comes to getting behind the wheel, even though he still has three years before he gets his license, he already has his first car all planned out. "I want the most beat-up, nasty, hardly-can-run car because I can tell you within two weeks, it's gonna be wrecked." Oh noes! Slow and steady wins the race! Do not make me take away your phone privileges again, young man!+ Watch Greyson Chance discuss fans, inspiration, and his picks for the 2011 MTV VMAs in Buzzworthy's exclusive interview below.

source : MTVbuzzworthyBlog

Funeral services held for RI Fire Captain www.privateofficer.com

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North Kingstown RI Nov 29 2012 Funeral services was held Tuesday, Nov. 27 for a Rhode Island firefighterwho died Saturday, Nov. 24.
North Kingstown Rescue Capt. David Mowbray, 52, was a 25-yearveteran with the fire department.
Mowbray was on medical leave after he suffered a broken backon a medical call earlier this year, according to the USFA.
He leaves behind his wife and two daughters Kimberlee andMichelle.
Visiting hours will Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Thomas& Walter Quinn Funeral Home in Warwick.
The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m. atthe funeral home.
Donations may be sent to North Kingstown FirefightersScholarship Fund (PO Box 844 North Kingstown, RI 02853.

Virginia Boy Scout leader charged with sodomizing a child www.privateofficer.com

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 Albemarle County Nov 29 2012 Authorities arrested a former Keswick scoutmaster Wednesday,charging him with sodomizing a child, and said more charges could follow.David Brian Watkins, 49, assaulted a Scout in his troop in2005, and authorities suspect other assaults on the child between 2002 and2008, said Albemarle County police Lt. ToddHopwood. Watkins is being held in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jailon a charge of forcible sodomy of a juvenile.The alleged victim is now an adult, but was younger than 13at the time of the 2005 assault, police said. He contacted police Nov. 21 aboutthe allegations, Hopwood said.Authorities are considering additional charges, and saidthere could be other victims, Hopwood said. Police have set up a dedicated linefor victims to call, 972-4045.Police declined to elaborate on the charge. The arrestwarrant was unavailable.Investigators want to be sure the accounts of others whomight come forward aren’t influenced by press coverage, Hopwood said. One ofthe obstacles to investigating cases that are several years old is thatmemories fade, he said.Hopwood said police have been in contact with representativesof the Boy Scouts of America, who have been cooperative.“The abuse of anyone, especially a child, is intolerable andour thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who may be a victim of this type ofbehavior,” read a prepared statement from Michael Hesbach, an official with theBoy Scouts of America's Stonewall Jackson Area Council, which covers CentralVirginia and the Shenandoah Valley. “Thebehavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which theBoy Scouts of America stands.“This individual has been removed from Scouting and has notbeen involved in the program for several months. He has been permanently bannedfrom participating in the Scouting program.”Watkins ceased his role as a scoutmaster in 2008, policesaid. He continued serving in other positions after that, Hesbach said.Adults at a Scout troop meeting Wednesday evening in Albemarle County declined to speak to a reporterbut said they were writing a statement. It had not been received as of presstime.A troop website apparently set up by Watkins shows hundredsof photos of Scouts taken at more than 50 camping trips and other events from2003 to 2008.One photo shows a boy talking to another Scout, who’sadjusting his pants.The caption reads: “Yeah Dude you’re A-- looks fat in thosenew switchbacks.”Watkins faces a bond hearing today in Albemarle Juvenile andDomestic Relations Court. Albemarle County Commonwealth’sAttorney Denise Lunsford said her office will ask that Watkins be held withoutbond.After waves of cases involving Scout leaders abusingchildren, the Boy Scouts of America years ago began performing computerizedcriminal background checks on all prospective Scout leaders. The Scouts won’tdiscuss the results of checks on specific individuals, but the group doesn’tallow anyone with a history of abuse to participate in Scouting.The Oregon Supreme Court earlier this year ordered the BoyScouts to release files on alleged sex abuse by Scout leaders from 1965 to1985. The Boy Scouts used the files to attempt to exclude molesters from thegroup.
source-dailyprogress.com

Former Massillon FirstMerit bank employee embezzled more than $160,000 www.privateofficer.com

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CANTON OH Nov 29 2012Authorities say a former Massillon FirstMerit bank employeeembezzled more than $160,000 in cash from 14 elderly customers during afour-year period.
Melanie Stano, 57, of 8265 Beatty St. NW, of Jackson Township,is scheduled to appear Monday in Stark County Common Pleas Court for a pre-trial hearing.Stano, who remains free on her own recognizance, is facing a first-degreefelony count of theft from an elderly person or disabled adult. The charge wasfiled in Common Pleas Court after a county grand jury issued a secretindictment. Stano entered a not guilty plea last week during her arraignment infront of Judge Taryn Heath.
Court papers show Stano, a bank employee for more than 30years, stole the cash from the accounts of elderly bank customers between May2007 and December 2011. The theft allegedly occurred while Stano was employedas a personal banker at FirstMerit’s downtown Massillon branch at Lincoln Way and First Street NW. Stano was firedafter bank officials discovered the theft in February and conducted an internalinvestigation. FirstMerit turned over its findings to Massillon police in September.
Stano reportedly made unauthorized withdrawals from clientaccounts, primarily 401(k) accounts, and deposited them into her personalaccount. It’s not clear how Stano spent the stolen cash.
“There were some questionable withdrawals from an accountand one of the customers came forward. ... This is a pattern that went on forseveral years,” Massillonpolice Det. Bobby Grizzard said.
All of the victims in the case are at least 65 or older,according to Joe Vance, assistant county prosecutor. If convicted, Stano facesa potential sentence ranging from probation to as many as 11 years in prison.The judge also could order Stano, who does not have a prior criminal record, tomake restitution to the victims, said Vance, who declined further comment.
Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday with defenseattorney Arnold Glantz. Attempts to reach FirstMerit spokesman Rob Townsendwere unsuccessful.
Source:IndeOnline.com

Woodruff Arts Center employee accused of $1.5 million theft www.privateofficer.com

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ATLANTA GA Nov 29 2012— The Woodruff Arts Center has confirmed a former employee is accused ofstealing nearly $1.5 million from the foundation.
Channel 2’s Richard Elliot went to a Tuesday morning newsconference in midtown Atlantawhere Woodruff officials announced the issue. The center’s CEO, VirginiaHepner, said it all began with “odd” invoices. After further investigation,$1.44 million in fraud was discovered, Hepner said.
“It’s all appalling that this has happened,” she said.
Hepner said the fraud was going on for five years. Theemployee is accused of submitting fraudulent invoices for payment. He wasconfronted about the issue and confessed, Hepner said. She said he resigned ofhis own volition in October.
The employee was not named, but Hepner identified him as amid-level administrative employee who wasn’t a member of the financedepartment. She believes he acted alone. The center has now turned over thecase to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.
Hepner admitted there were not enough checks and balances inplace to prevent the incident, but she said that’s already been changed.
Hepner said the case hasn’t hurt the center’s $100 millionbudget, but officials hope it doesn’t hurt their fundraising campaign.
“This is a community asset and our donors are ourshareholders, and I think the first thing you acknowledge is that we have aproblem and you be transparent with the problem,” Woodruff board chair LarryGellerstedt said.

Miami airport security officer shot-killed by police www.privateofficer.com

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SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla.-Nov 29 2012
The family of the suspect who died in a police-involvedshooting in southwest Miami-Dade County said the man was a security guard at Miami International Airport.
A woman who identified herself as they suspect's widow saidthe man was 47-year-old Alex Suarez.
Family members told Local 10's Ross Palombo they have noidea why police came to their home in the 1900 block of SW 107th Avenue Tuesday afternoon.Quick Clicks
The shooting stemmed from an incident at Miami InternationalAirport that led police to the man'sapartment in a complex near Florida International University,according to detectives. As of Tuesday night, it was unclear what happened atthe airport before the shooting.
"There was in fact a crime that occurred at theairport, and this was the suspect of our crime, so they were following up,trying to locate him, and when they did, that's when the confrontation ensuedand this man was in fact armed," said Miami-Dade Police Detective RoyRutland.
Two officers then shot and injured the man, said police.
"The suspect was armed and was shot multipletimes," said Rutland.
Diana Lopez told Local 10 she heard about 10 shots.
"I was walking my dog and I heard the shots. Then, Iheard the lady screaming and he was ambushed by the cops and then all thesudden shots were fired," said Lopez.
Police said the ambush nearly turned into a trap. Thesuspect was armed and had a bulletproof vest, police said. The family said theman had the gun and vest because of his job as a security guard.
John Rivera, president of the Police Benevolent Association,said the officers made the right decision to pull the trigger.
"This is as close as it gets," said Rivera."This was a textbook case -- justified. We're just glad we're not buryinganother officer in this community."
The man was transported to Kendall Regional Medical Centerwhere he died.

Men and women locate parked cars differently, says study www.privateofficer.com

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Atlanta GA Nov 282012 A study out of the Netherlandssays men and women have different strategies to remember where they parked.
Researchers tested more than 100 shoppers and found most womenuse landmarks to describe where they parked.
Guys were more precise and able to estimate the distance totheir parked car.
Although men fared slightly better in the study, both menand women also used some of the same strategies, like parking close to the mallentrance or parking in a favorite spot.
The study appears in the journal Applied CognitivePsychology.

Manatee County man arrested for punching security officer in the face www.privateofficer.com

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LAKEWOODRANCH Fla Nov 28 2012 -- A 32-year-old Lakewood Ranch man has been arrested and charged withbattery on a person age 65 or older.
Manatee County Sheriff's Officedeputies say Charles Berton Vanalstine of the 6500 block of Meandering Way struck a Lakewoood Ranch Main Streetsecurity guard who was trying to persuade him not to drive home intoxicated.
When Vanalstine left McAllister's Restaurant on Main Street shortlyafter 11 p.m. Friday restaurant staffers were concerned that he was in nocondition to drive, the arrest report states.
The restaurant contacted the security officer, who followedVanalstine as he tried to find where he had parked his vehicle, the reportstates.
Shortly after the security guard called 911 for help,Vanalstine "took a posture as if to reach for a gun" and threatenedto shoot the guard if he did not stop following him, according to the report.
After searching for his car in a nearby parking lot,Vanalstine walked up and struck the 65-year-old guard in the face with hisfist, causing a slight bruise to the victim and breaking the victim's glasses,the report states.
The victim at no time touched Vanalstine, the report adds.
Vanalstine was in the Manatee Countyjail Monday in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
source-www.bradenton.com

Baylor University-Baylor Health Care System settle Medicare charges for $907,355 www.privateofficer.com

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WASHINGTON DC Nov 282012—Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Health Care System, andHealthTexas Provider Network (collectively, Baylor) have agreed to pay theUnited States $907,355 to settle allegations that Baylor submitted false claimsto Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services(TRICARE), and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) for variousradiation oncology services, including intensity modulated radiation therapy,the Justice Department announced today. Intensity modulated radiation therapyis a sophisticated radiation treatment indicated for specific types of cancerwhere extreme precision is required to spare patients’ surrounding organs orhealthy tissue.
The government alleges that Baylor University submittedimproper claims to Medicare from 2006 through May 2010 in which Baylor doublebilled Medicare for several procedures affiliated with radiation treatmentplans; billed for certain high reimbursement radiation oncology services when adifferent, less expensive service should have been billed; billed forprocedures without supporting documentation in the medical record; andimproperly billed for radiation treatment delivery without corroboration ofphysician supervision.
“Physicians who participate in Medicare must bill for theirservices accurately and honestly,” said Stuart F. Delery, Principal DeputyAssistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “TheDepartment of Justice is committed to ensuring that federal health care fundsare spent appropriately.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Delery alsonoted that the settlement with Baylor was the result of a coordinated effortamong the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office forthe Northern District of Texas, the Department of Health and Human Services’Office of Inspector General, FBI, and Defense Criminal Investigative Services.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Sarah R.Saldaña praised these investigative efforts and said, “This civil recovery is atestament to the efforts of the Department of Justice to hold all parties,regardless of position, accountable for the submission of improper claims tofederal health care programs.”
This resolution is part of the government’s emphasis oncombating health care fraud and another step for the Health Care FraudPrevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announcedby Attorney General Eric Holder and Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of theDepartment of Health and Human Services in May 2009. The partnership betweenthe two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare andMedicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerfultools in that effort is the False Claims Act, which the Justice Department hasused to recover $10.1 billion since January 2009 in cases involving fraudagainst federal health care programs. The Justice Department’s total recoveriesin False Claims Act cases since January 2009 are over $13.8 billion.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only,and there has been no determination of liability.

4 arrested as security guard battered in Wisconsin www.privateofficer.com

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Madison WI Nov 28 2012

A security guard was battered in a shoplifting case in whicha baby in a stroller was used as a cover for stolen merchandise on Black Fridayat an East Towne Mall store, Madisonpolice reported.
The incident took place in front of a large crowd ofshoppers at about 8 p.m. Friday at J.C. Penney, police said in a news release.
Lesley Williams, 22, of Sun Prairie, was tentatively chargedwith battery and retail theft. Ashley Williams, 24, of Reedsburg, wastentatively charged with disorderly conduct and bail jumping. A 14-year-old Madison female wastentatively charged with battery and released to a family member. And AliciaLembeke, 23, of Sun Prairie, was cited and released for retail theft.
Police said those four were stopped by a security guard asthey tried to leave J.C. Penney and re-enter the mall.
"The thieves had been placing stolen items in astroller, beneath a baby," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain in therelease.
When the guard asked the women to stop, Lesley Williams andthe 14-year-old allegedly punched and kicked him, while Ashley Williamsallegedly yelled that she was going to kill him.
"The youngest suspect later admitted to an officer thatshe had anger problems," DeSpain said.
Stolen clothes and other items taken from J.C. Penney werefound beneath the infant in the stroller. The baby was not injured.
"The guard wasn't seriously hurt but he was bleedingfrom a cut near his ear," DeSpain said.

source-host.madison.com

Questions linger after thwarted abduction at Fashion Square www.privateofficer.com

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Albemarle County VA Nov 28 2012 Private security did its job over the weekend in escorting aman off Fashion Squaremall property where he grabbed a 2-year-old girl before her father wrestled heraway, legal experts and industry analysts said Monday.But that doesn’t explain why authorities weren’t notifieduntil more than five hours later, when the girl’s parents called police. Bythen, the man was long gone.Now, authorities are urging parents to be on heightenedalert as investigators seek clues with little to go on but a vague descriptionof a light-skinned black man standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 220 to235 pounds. He wore glasses and a gray hooded sweatshirt."We want everyone to be a little more aware and alittle more cautious and vigilant over their children," said Albemarle County police spokeswoman CarterJohnson.Security officers responded to the parents' cries between 2and 2:30 p.m. Saturday near Kay Jewelers, where the man seized the child as shewalked slightly behind her parents. The girl’s father pulled her from thestranger’s grasp. Security officers gained control of the man, then releasedhim, police said.
Authorities learned of the incident when the parents calledat 8 p.m., police said. Neither the private firm tasked with providing securityat the mall nor the mall's management company, Simon Property Group, notifiedpolice, Johnson said."Obviously, we would have liked to be contactedimmediately," Johnson said.Angry customers took to Fashion Square's Facebook page to protesta two-line release issued Monday by Indiana-based Simon, which bills itself as the largest real estatecompany in the world."This incident is now a police matter and, of course,we are fully cooperating with their investigation," said Simon spokesmanLes Morris. "Every piece of information that we have in our possession aswell as witness reports have been turned over to the police for theirfollow-up."The company did not elaborate.Security guards observed Sunday at the mall wore uniformsbearing the logo of AlliedBarton Security Services, a Pittsburgh-area privatesecurity giant that employs more than 55,000 people nationwide, according toits website."We are currently cooperating with the police duringthe investigation and have no further comment," said AlliedBarton VicePresident Alan Stein.The primary duty of private security officers responding inan incident like Saturday's is to safeguard the people involved, then toprotect their clients' interests, analysts and legal experts said."We have to kind of break out the part we're upsetfrom, that they let the guy go, from the thing that would have actually causedharm to the child, the guy that they removed from the situation," saidCharlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association President J. Lloyd Snook III."It's a question of moral responsibility versus legal liability."As unarmed officers, the guards at Fashion Square lack thelimited powers of arrest that armed security officers possess, said NeadieMoore, licensing manager at the Department of Criminal Justice Services, thestate agency charged with regulating private sector security workers,State code requires unarmed guards to complete 18 hours oftraining and undergo a criminal background check before they are certified.Armed guards undergo 40 to 42 hours of training.Shoppers should have a reasonable expectation of safetywhile they are on mall property — that is why the guards are there, Snook said.But conflict between company and client policies can beburdensome to contracted security officers facing snap decisions, said RickMcCann, a 38-year law enforcement veteran and founder of Private OfficerInternational, an industry association."The directions [officers] get can be conflicting, andthat's why it’s so important for the security company and the other company tobe prudent in their requirements of the officer," McCann said.An untrained or undertrained guard could be cowed by thevery real danger and responsibilities they face, he said. Many guards also fearliability, he added. For instance, could they be sued if they acted to restrainsomeone without the powers and authority accorded to an armed guard?"As a guard, you hear a lot about these [lawsuits] andthe word gets around," McCann said. "Still, I am a little bit shockedto hear that [the security officers] let the person go."The characteristics of the incident — occurring in themiddle of the day in a public place during one of the busiest shopping days ofthe year — suggest the man might have done something like this before and mighttry again, said Dr. Jeffrey Fracher, a forensic psychologist practicing in Albemarle."The fact that they were thwarted means they are goingto be unsatisfied,” Fracher said. “These are the situations that keep me up atnight."No security cameras captured footage of the incident,Johnson said. Detectives are combing through in-store surveillance footage tosee whether the man had been following the family.So far, Johnson said, police have no leads.
Source:dailyprogress.com

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Six Flags Flash Pass Program

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Six Flags Flash Pass Program Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 Things to know What: Flash Pass virtual line program eliminates waiting in long lines for popular rides. Cost: varies by park. The per-person price generally drops with additional guests for the Q-bot program. Where: Click here for participating Six Flags parks. Waiting and waiting (and waiting) in rat-maze lines is as much a part of the theme park experience as riding roller coasters. Enduring 90 minutes of inching along in stanchion hell is the price you must pay for 2 minutes of coaster heaven. Or is it? Parks have been introducing programs to alleviate the bottlenecks and move people out of lines. Six Flags' version, called Flash Pass, is actually two programs with the same name. Depending on the park, guests can either purchase low-tech, go-to-the-head-of-the-line paper tickets or a high-tech, electronic "Q-bot" device. In either case, if a park is crowded, Flash Pass may be the way to go. Flash Pass Q-bot gets you out of the queue Essentially retrofitted beepers, Q-bots are like virtual placeholders. They calculate the amount of time you would have waited in line, then vibrate and flash a text message when it's time to report to the ride--while you're off doing other things. Six Flags says that the Q-bot version of Flash Pass is fair because guests using the device wait the same amount of time as the Q-bot-nots; they just don't have to suffer in infernal lines. While the explanation sounds convincing, it still feels as if you are pulling a fast one when you sashay up the special Flash Pass entrance and walk past the huddled masses to the front of the line. Having said that, it's incredibly satisfying to skip a one- or two-hour queue and hop aboard a popular attraction. More Flash Pass Info: Next page: Does Flash Pass work? Is it worth it? Participating Six Flags Parks

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: The Cyclone at Coney Island

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The Cyclone at Coney Island Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 A treasured piece of living history (a term that applies to much of Coney Island), the classic Cyclone evokes an earlier era, yet packs a surprisingly potent punch--even when compared to modern-day coaster behemoths. It is, perhaps, the archetypal roller coaster and probably the world's most famous thrill machine. While the Cyclone can get more than a bit rough, coaster freaks and casual fans alike nonetheless adore the sentimental favorite. Cyclone Up-Front Info Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7 Unusually steep first drop, traditional coaster car lacks seat dividers and seat belts (the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar), plenty of airtime, can be excessively rough, traditional rickety wood coaster ride. Coaster type: Wood (although the structure is steel), prototypical "cyclone" twister layout Top speed: 60 mph Height of lift hill: 85 feet Ride time: 1.5 minutes Cyclone Photo Gallery Coney Island Overview Screeching into the Coney Island station on the New York City subway, the landmark comes into view: the white lattice, the faded red railing, the "CYCLONE" block letters at the top of the lift hill. Generations of passengers have peered through the trains' windows and shared the giddy sensation of having arrived at Coney Island as well as the anticipation of joy and fear that the sight of the roller coaster elicits. Riders line up along Surf Avenue under the Cyclone's glorious vintage neon sign. After paying the cashier in the old cage booth for a ticket, passengers snake under the track and through the structure up to the loading platform. The ride has never been updated with a computerized brake system, and the Cyclone is one of the few classic coasters that still uses manual brakes. It's a hoot to watch ride operators slow and stop the trains by pulling on the ride's tall brake handles. Hey, Let's Go! The scene in the station is sooo Brooklyn-esque. Instead of the silly matching uniforms typically found at theme parks, the Cyclone's crew members dress in do rags, baseball caps, Yankees jerseys, tank tops, and whatever else they felt like throwing on that morning. They hustle the exiting passengers out of the trains at one end of the station, hop aboard the cars as they creep into the loading area, then accost riders with hand gestures and chiding commands to "Get on! Come on, come on! Hey, let's go!" They have to be the most efficient and aggressive ride-op team in the business. It's as if they get paid by the number of trains they fill per hour. Like nearly everything else about the Cyclone, the design of the traditional 24-passenger trains has essentially remained unchanged for decades. The low-slung seats do not have headrests, and the only safety restraint is a single-position lap bar. The two-person bench seats do not have dividers, so seatmates need to really like each other. The seat bases, the chassis, and the sides of the cars are articulated so that they can move independently and accommodate the wild ride. Once cleared for departure, the brakeman eases up on the handle, and the train rolls out of the station to engage the chain lift. Riding past the wonderful "Final warning: No standing!" sign and up the 85-foot hill to the stirring clackety-clack sound, passengers can feel the odd movements of the articulated car as it navigates the track. Facing the beach and the ocean beyond, the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. The Cyclone Is a "Good" Aggressive Coaster Then all hell breaks loose. At nearly 60 degrees, the first drop is incredibly steep. A friend has aptly described the drop as the equivalent of riding down an 85-foot ladder and hitting every rung along the way. A 180-degree turn at the bottom of the hill sends the train racing up the second hill and delivering the first of many bursts of airtime. The turn also sends the passengers on one side of the train slamming--and I mean slamming--into their seatmates. There are six 180-degree turns in all, so there are plenty of lateral G-forces and opportunities for riders to crash into one another. The Cyclone features 12 drops and loads of euphoric airtime. There are also 18 track crossovers. Unlike an out-and-back coaster which travels a single loop, the Cyclone is able to fit 2640 feet of track into its compact footprint by twisting in and out of itself. The thrill machine is so groundbreaking and legendary, all twister roller coasters are generically known as "cyclone" coasters in its honor. The ride varies according to the seat position and other factors such as the time of day and the weather. The back seats, especially, can be insanely rough, although I once had a front-row ride that was not for the squeamish. The structure groans and shakes, riders get tossed to and fro with abandon, and the trains can suddenly lurch skyward only to whack into the upstop wheels tethering them to the track. For all of its punishment, however, the Cyclone is, at its core, an exciting and decidedly fun ride. It invariably elicits equal doses of laughter and screams. There are "bad" aggressive coasters (such as the hideous Manhattan Express, or whatever Las Vegas' New York, New York Casino is calling its coaster these days) and "good" aggressive coasters. The Cyclone falls squarely in the latter category. The Cyclone has, ahem, had its ups and downs. It debuted in 1927 to great acclaim and quickly gained worldwide fame. Coney Island's popularity waned through the years, however, and the Cyclone's customers dwindled. Its fate appeared grim when the city condemned it in 1969. Thankfully, Astroland's owners lovingly restored the Cyclone and reopened it in 1975. New York listed it as an official city landmark in 1988. In 1991, the state of New York entered the Cyclone in its Register of Historic Places. That same year, the ride gained National Historic Landmark status, which protects it from the whims of developers. In 2007, Thor Equities bought Astroland and other nearby parcels, and has been pursuing a massive Coney Island redevelopment plan. The proposed project has generated lots of controversy and opposition, and the city has not granted the necessary permits. Whatever happens with this or any other plan, the protected Cyclone will remain intact and delight riders for years to come. As the Cyclone comes roaring back into the station at the end of the ride, crewmembers jump on the sides of the train and hawk re-rides at a reduced price. If you want to score a front-row seat (highly recommended), pay for a re-ride and try to quickly hightail it to the front car. Then, get ready for another sweet Cyclone slamfest.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Country Springs Hotel

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Country Springs Hotel Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Country Springs Hotel Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin Phone: 1-800-247-6640 Country Springs Hotel Tickets and Admission Policy: Open to registered guests of the Country Springs Hotel. Limited day passes available for the general public as well. Contact park for availability. Indoor Water Park Square Footage: 45,000 Indoor Waterpark Features: Boat slide, tube slide, body slide, interactive water play structure, lazy river, indoor/outdoor whirlpool. Country Springs Hotel Photo Gallery: Country Springs Hotel Pictures Country Springs Hotel Directions: From Milwaukee: Go west on I-94 (to Madison) about 20 miles to Hwy. T. Go 1/4 mile to Golf Road, then west on Golf Road about 1 mile to the hotel. From Gen. Mitchell Intl. Airport: Go west app. 1 mile on airport freeway spur (119) to I-94 W. Go I-94 app. 2 miles to 894 west bypass. Go 894 app. 12 miles to I-94. See directions above. From Madison: Go east on I-94 to Hwy. G (Exit 291). Go north on Hwy G. to Golf Road, then east on Golf Road about 1/2 mile to hotel. Official Web Site: Country Springs Hotel Overview: Attractions at Country Springs Hotel includes Triple Dog Dare, a three-person raft ride with high-speed curves, Double Trouble, a thrilling enclosed two-person ride, and the Cyclone, a body slide. Whistle Stop Wash is an activity pool featuring water basketball and a lily pad walk while the Waukesha Waterworks provides an interactive play structure with slides for younger children. The Springs Waterpark also offers Night Springs, an indoor and outdoor whirlpool. The park features fiber optic lighting and colored halogen lights that illuminate its sky windows. In addition to the water rides, the adjacent Country Springs Hotel features an arcade, restaurants, a golf course, exercise facility, conference center, and other amenities. The hotel offers lodging and water park packages and specials. Accommodations include family suites and include complimentary continental breakfast.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Myrtle Beach Pavilion

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Myrtle Beach Pavilion Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jeremy Levine, 2005. Licensed to About.com. Special Note: The park closed permanently in 2006. A handful of the rides are now at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Rides and attractions: Wood coaster, wild mouse coaster, two dark rides, river raft ride, log flume, vintage carousel, thrill rides, kiddie rides, clown shows. Photo Gallery: Scenes from The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park See the Park Being Torn Down: Myrtle Beach Pavilion Demolition Photo Gallery Overview: The following info was written when the park was still open: Myrtle Beach is in a period of transition. Vacationers have always flocked to South Carolina's Grand Strand for its miles of glorious beaches, and Tiger Woods wannabes still descend on the golf-mad area for its 120 courses (and nearly 50 mini-golf courses). But for generations of fun-seekers, The Pavilion, and the arcades, gift shops, food joints, and other funky, honky-tonk establishments that surround it have also defined Myrtle Beach. That may be changing as developers kick around plans to gentrify and redefine the area. And that would be a shame. The free-admission park crams a surprising number of rides and attractions into its compact, 11-acre footprint. The highlight is The Hurricane, a CCI-built wood coaster that straddles one side of The Pavilion. Other signature attractions include the Haunted Hotel, a wonderful, traditional dark ride that incorporates Disney-style illusions, Treasure Hunt, an interactive dark ride in which passengers rack up points by shooting Pirate Booty targets, and the Hydro-Surge river raft ride. The park also offers some wild thrill rides like a Top Spin and Enterprise, as well as a stunning 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel and a decent collection of kiddie rides. But The Myrtle Beach Pavilion is more than a collection of rides. There's something about the sand, the surf, and the screams of coaster riders that dovetail perfectly. The smell of the salt air complements the distinctive aroma of the fries, and a shoreline sunset melds seamlessly with tacky, mismatched carnival lights. Seaside parks are a piece of Americana that's quickly fading. Visit The Pavilion before its rough-hewn, shaggy charm gets tossed out to sea in favor of some bland, homogenized mall-like retail-dining-entertainment complex. Instead of authentic greasy burgers at the vintage food stand, they'll be serving retro greasy burgers at the corporate restaurant chain.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: New Rides at Six Flags 2012

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New Rides at Six Flags 2012 Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Jan 26 2012 After a few years in which the park chain had been trying to become more family-friendly, the latest management team is returning Six Flags to its tried and true formula of amped-up, teen-targeted thrills. That's not to say that every park will be getting a new heart-pounding roller coaster in 2012 (although there are a couple of cardiac-crazy thrill machines on the way). But the emphasis is clearly on white knuckles once again. While a major thrill ride may or may not be heading to your local Six Flags, you can be sure that something will await you in 2012. The company says it is committed to reinvesting and bringing new attractions to each of its parks. But it is a bit liberal in its use of the term, "new." As has been the case recently, the chain will be shuffling rides around amongst its parks. In some cases, the "new" attractions will really be relocated older rides that will be getting different names, fresh coats of paint, and new leases on life. Among the highlights are a few attractions that may inspire ride warriors to book long-distance trips. California's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, for example, will be getting an intriguing new Superman coaster that will use a novel layout and ride system to approximate a flying experience. The world's tallest vertical drop ride is on its way to Six Flags Magic Mountain, also in California. And Six Flags Great America in Illinois will be spreading its wings with a wild take on a new(ish) coaster concept. These and other developments are detailed below. You may want to start getting your knuckles in shape for the thrills ahead. Looking for Six Flags tickets? Save money and time. Buy direct discounted tickets online from Six Flags. In addition to all of the Six Flags goodness, there are many other plans underway at a host of parks. To see what's happening during this especially exciting time, go to What's New at Theme Parks and Amusement Parks. THE SIX FLAGS 2012 RIDE GUIDE The guide is arranged alphabetically by US state. Canada's La Ronde and Six Flags Mexico follow at the end of the list. CALIFORNIA Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA Superman Ultimate Flight The unique launched coaster will send passengers soaring up, up, and a way up a 150-foot-tall loop. Instead of a more traditional coaster experience, in which gravity would then take over, the new Superman thriller will instead hold riders for a few tentative moments and then blast them into a second inversion down the opposite side of the loop. Sound confusing (but nonetheless tantalizing)? Perhaps this video will help explain it better: Superman Ultimate Flight Animated Preview Video Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, CA Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom When it debuted, Superman: Escape from Krypton was the tallest coaster in the world. It's since been eclipsed, but it's still pretty dang tall. By attaching a drop ride to the back of the coaster's tower, Six Flags will now be able to boast that it will have the world's tallest (and scariest?) freefall ride. Read more about Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Drop of Doom Preview Video GEORGIA Six Flags Over Georgia Austell (near Atlanta), GA New Shows OK. So maybe Six Flags cheated a bit, when it said that it would introduce major new attractions at all of its parks. The promise of six new shows probably won't get the turnstiles spinning madly at the Georgia park. But, 2012 will be the park's 45th anniversary, and one of its shows will feature its celebrated history. Also, since Six Flags introduced Dare Devil Dive, a "Euro-Fighter" coaster that sends riders straight up and beyond straight down a 95-foot top-hat tower, in 2011, perhaps we should cut it some slack in 2012. Six Flags White Water Marietta (near Atlanta), GA Nothing new announced to date for the water park in 2012. ILLINOIS Six Flags Great America Gurnee, IL X-Flight The wing coaster, one of two debuting in 2012 (the other one will be at Dollywood in Tennessee), will bring a new style of seating to the ride experience. You can read more about the wacky thrills in store at my X-Flight overview. X-Flight Preview Photo Gallery X-Flight Preview Video MARYLAND Six Flags America Mitchellville, MD (near Washington, D.C.) Apocalypse Although it sounds fashionably ominous (2012 is the year of the much-prophesized end of the world as we know it, after all), the new coaster coming to Maryland is actually an old standup coaster that has been giving wedgies to riders at Six Flags Great America in Illinois since 1990. MASSACHUSETTS Six Flags New England Agawam, MA (near Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT) Goliath Another transplant (this one was originally at Six Flags Magic Mountain where it was known, coincidentally, as Deja Vu), Goliath will be a shuttle coaster. Unlike the more typical shuttle boomerang coaster, Flashback, that is already at the Massachusetts park, however, this ride will be considerably taller and faster and will feature an inverted train that will hang beneath the track. MISSOURI Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, near (...come on, you know what city it's near) Bonzai Pipeline Hurricane Harbor, the adjacent water park that is included with admission to Six Flags St. Louis, will be getting an Aqua Loop water slide that will nearly send riders upside down as they soar at speeds up to 40 mph through its clear acrylic tube. NEW JERSEY Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ SkyScreamer A spinning swing ride, SkyScreamer will rise 240 scream-inducing feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. The park will also be getting new bumper cars and a Scrambler spinning ride. NEW YORK The Great Escape Queensbury (near Lake George), New York Splashwater Kingdom, the water park that is included with admission to the park, will be getting two new rides: Alpine Freefalls will feature a nerve-wracking speed slide that riders will start by entering a "Skybox" capsule with a trap door. The slide complex will also offer a four-lane mat racing slide. TEXAS Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, TX SkyScreamer Another one of the spinning swing rides coming to Six Flags parks, the Fiesta Texas version will rise about 200 feet into the air and reach speeds of 40 mph. Six Flags Over Texas Arlington (near Dallas), TX New Show Another one of the chain's parks (like Six Flags Over Georgia), that won't be getting anything truly major in 2012. At the time this article was written, the best the park could come up with is that it would be getting a new live show. Then again, like the Georgia park, Six Flags Over Texas debuted a well-received ride in 2011, the "new" Texas Giant, and perhaps should be forgiven for keeping it modest in the coming year. CANADA La Ronde Montreal, Quebec Vol Ultime A swinging tower ride that will soar about 150 feet will open this season. MEXICO Six Flags Mexico Mexico City Nothing new announced at the time this article was written. Sheesh Six Flags! You did promise that you would be introducing some major new feature at all parks, si?

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Six Flags Flash Pass Program

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Six Flags Flash Pass Program Feb 26th 2012, 11:04 Things to know What: Flash Pass virtual line program eliminates waiting in long lines for popular rides. Cost: varies by park. The per-person price generally drops with additional guests for the Q-bot program. Where: Click here for participating Six Flags parks. Waiting and waiting (and waiting) in rat-maze lines is as much a part of the theme park experience as riding roller coasters. Enduring 90 minutes of inching along in stanchion hell is the price you must pay for 2 minutes of coaster heaven. Or is it? Parks have been introducing programs to alleviate the bottlenecks and move people out of lines. Six Flags' version, called Flash Pass, is actually two programs with the same name. Depending on the park, guests can either purchase low-tech, go-to-the-head-of-the-line paper tickets or a high-tech, electronic "Q-bot" device. In either case, if a park is crowded, Flash Pass may be the way to go. Flash Pass Q-bot gets you out of the queue Essentially retrofitted beepers, Q-bots are like virtual placeholders. They calculate the amount of time you would have waited in line, then vibrate and flash a text message when it's time to report to the ride--while you're off doing other things. Six Flags says that the Q-bot version of Flash Pass is fair because guests using the device wait the same amount of time as the Q-bot-nots; they just don't have to suffer in infernal lines. While the explanation sounds convincing, it still feels as if you are pulling a fast one when you sashay up the special Flash Pass entrance and walk past the huddled masses to the front of the line. Having said that, it's incredibly satisfying to skip a one- or two-hour queue and hop aboard a popular attraction. More Flash Pass Info: Next page: Does Flash Pass work? Is it worth it? Participating Six Flags Parks

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