Thousands of Twin Cities security guards prepare to strike www.privateofficer.com

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MINNEAPOLIS MN Feb 25 2013 — Thousands of Twin Cities security  guards are preparing for a possible strike Sunday. Talks with the security officer’s SEIU Local 26 and contractors broke down on Friday afternoon.
At 1 p.m. Sunday, members of SEIU local 26 security officers will join forces with other labor unions, community members and church groups. They’ll be making plans to walk off the job as early as Monday if a contract deal isn’t reached by the end of the day.

The sticking points include salary and hours. Union officials aren’t happy with the contract proposals that include lower pay and a shift to more part time work. Union members want wage increases and more hours.

Security officers are employed  by third party contractors for some of the biggest corporations in the Twin Cities, including Target and Best Buy. This union is made up of some 2,000 members. Their contract expired on Dec. 31. Since then, they’ve been working without a contract and hoping for a resolution.
We reached out to the law firm representing the third party contractors and have not heard back.
Yesterday the janitors union came up with a tentative agreement as 4,000 janitors were set to go on strike this week. After 31 hours of negotiations, the deal includes more hours, higher pay and better health care benefits.
If a contract agreement can’t be reached and the security guards go on strike, union leaders say replacement guards could be brought in to fill the vacancies. Five years ago, the security officers went on a one-day strike and companies did rely on replacement workers.
However, that one day strike also led to a contract. They hope the same happens this time around.

Source:WCCO

Inmate dies during struggle at Spokane County jail www.privateofficer.com

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SPOKANE WA Feb 25 2013  -- A man died while being booked into the Spokane County jail early Sunday morning.
Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies said they had an uncooperative man in the booking area of the jail around 5:00 a.m. Deputies used a TASER and “force” to gain control of the inmate.
The inmate was placed in a restraint chair, but shortly after he lost consciousness. Deputies and emergency medical staff gave the inmate medical aid and CPR until ambulance staff arrived.
The inmate did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead.
The Spokane Investigative Regional Response team is investigating the inmate’s death.
The SIRR Team is comprised of members of the Washington State Patrol, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Police Department.

Source:KREM

False report of gunman at Massachusetts Institute of Technology www.privateofficer.com

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Cambridge MA Feb 25 2013

A report of a gunman on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Saturday was "unfounded" and the public was not in any danger, according to police.

Cambridge police said they received an electronic message at 7:30 a.m. Saturday warning of a man with a gun. They didn't clarify what kind of electronic message it was.At about 10:15 a.m., Cambridge police said the call was "unfounded" and there was "no threat to public safety."

“For certainty we did not have a person in the building with a gun. We have enough witnesses at this point to verify that so the incident that was reported did not take place,” Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas said.Officials are not yet calling it a hoax, only "an incident that didn't take place."It was a report, of a man with a gun seen at 77 Mass Ave., the main building at MIT, went viral in minutes. Police closed Massachusetts Avenue and an alert was issued to students essentially locking down the campus.The man with the gun was not found after a room-to-room search of the building, and police lifted the alert to the relief of some students.“It's really concerning. You have to take these things a little more seriously considering what's been happening over the past few weeks so no one really knew what to expect,” student Christian Reed said.Campus Police Chief John DiFava praised Cambridge for its "outstanding response" to the incident.Apart from identifying the culprit another unanswered question is why it took more than an hour for the campus to issue the alert to students. I have to look into it and find out the reason for the lag,” DiFava said.
DiFava said the right people were notified at MIT as soon as Cambridge police notified them.Haas said they have leads about where the message may have originated, adding something like this can "cause serious consequences."Haas said criminal charges will likely be filed against whoever is responsible. Police said the investigation was ongoing


source-www.wcvb.com

Man arrested with loaded gun at Cleveland airport www.privateofficer.com

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CLEVELAND OH Feb  25 2013 - A 56-year-old Chesterland man faces charges after being caught trying to pass through security at Hopkins airport with a loaded handgun.
Raymond Koren was arrested early Saturday morning.
According to Cleveland Police, Koren was going through checkpoint A when TSA observed a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun in Koren's luggage. Officers were notified and the weapon was removed from Koren's luggage.
Police have not released where Koren was headed.


source-www.newsnet5.com

New Orleans police officer shot during robbery www.privateofficer.com

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New Orleans LA Feb 25 2013 The shooting of NOPD officer John Passaro as he responded to an armed robbery report Saturday reminded the men and women of area law enforcement agencies of the dangers they face every day. Over the past year, at least seven local cops have been shot -- two fatally -- and one was run over by a car.
"It's all of our worst fears," said Capt. George Bonnett, a spokesman for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. "The thoughts and prayers of our entire agency go out to officer John Passaro, his family and all the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department."
In just seconds, everything can change for police. Just moments before he was shot Saturday, Passaro sounded "happy-go-lucky, jovial," on the police radio, according to Bryan Lagarde, a former NOPD officer and director of ProjectNOLA, who listened to the radio traffic. "It was a seemingly routine call, but all hell broke loose."
Two NOPD officers were critically wounded when they were shot early March 1, 2012, during a traffic stop near Delgado Community College. Police said Justin Sipp fired 14 times at officers Tony Mayfield and Michael Asevedo; both were struck in the torso. Sipp was killed by return gunfire.
On Aug. 16, 2012, a group of people associated with the "Sovereign Citizens," a group on a federal domestic terrorism watch list, shot four St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office deputies. Deputies Brandon Nielsen and Jeremy Triche were killed; Michael Boyington and Jason Triche were wounded.
In a separate incident, NOPD officer Karla Baker was hospitalized after a suspect ran her over during a traffic stop in eastern New Orleans on Dec. 9, 2012. The incident was the second time Baker had been run over on the job.
In the early hours of Jan. 27, NOPD Sgt. Sidney Jackson was shot in the thigh by a mentally ill suspect while responding to a disturbance at an eastern New Orleans convenience store. Police said 41-year-old Damon Jones managed to grab Jackson's holstered gun even though he was handcuffed at the time.
After incidents such as these, the law enforcement community often rallies around one another, appreciative of the ultimate sacrifice they each could encounter at the next call for service.
On his Facebook page, Passaro wrote many posts showcasing such appreciation.
Following Hurricane Isaac, Passaro, who lives in Slidell, wrote: "I would like to thank the Slidell PD, Slidell fire dept. and EMS, while I was away protecting and serving other peoples families and friends, you were protecting mine ... thanks guys."
On Sept. 11, he posted a photograph of New York firefighters hoisting an American flag at Ground Zero and wrote: "Honor them ... Never forget!!!"
On May 28, Passaro wrote next to a photograph of an Army memorial: "For your service and sacrifice ... I thank you."

Following the St. John shootings, Passaro posted a poem on Aug. 22 that read, in part: "'In the line of duty,' I hear them say/ My family now the price to pay."
"Thank you for your service," Passaro wrote. "Rest in peace, we got it from here."

Source:NOLA

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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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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Accused former Vt. college president commits suicide www.privateofficer.com

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MONTPELIER, Vt. Feb 2 2013 — The former acting president of a small Vermont liberal arts college killed himself amid an investigation into the embezzlement of $440,000 in school funds, state police said Thursday.
Former acting Southern Vermont College President James Beckwith died Wednesday in his Londonderry home of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
Beckwith was accused of taking the money between October 2012 and January while serving as acting president of the small liberal arts school in Bennington. Authorities said he deposited the money into his personal account, using $260,000 to pay down two mortgages.
The U.S. Attorney's office said earlier Thursday it filed a complaint alleging the home and account are forfeitable as proceeds of mail fraud and as property involved in money laundering.
Prosecutors said Beckwith, 58, had college officials issue three checks to Merrill Lynch, saying they were to settle legal claims arising from a failed dormitory project. But the checks for $100,000, $160,000 and $180,000 were deposited into a personal account Beckwith had with Merrill Lynch, prosecutors said.
A recent audit of the college's finances for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2012, found several suspicious financial transactions involving purported vendor payments by Beckwith, the U.S. attorney's office said.
When questioned about the matter, Beckwith resigned on Feb. 3. The $180,000 from the third check remains in the Merrill Lynch account.
The college sent an email to faculty and students saying it was saddened by Beckwith's unexpected death, said school president Karen Gross.
"This is a difficult and sad time for all of us who knew Jim. His many contributions to our community will be remembered," Gross wrote.
The college met with faculty on Thursday and planned to meet with students Thursday night to discuss the unexpected death and the civil complaint filed by the U.S. government.
Beckwith had been chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the college since 2007. He served as acting president while Gross was on one-year leave.
The college has about 550 students.


source-www.timesunion.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police want to increase staff size at airport www.privateofficer.com

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Charlotte NC Feb 23 2013 The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, which took over aviation security in December, wants to boost security staff by nearly one-third to 62 officers – a move the airport director opposes because of the added cost.
Since taking over at the airport, the police department said it is being more aggressive in investigating crime, and the number of reported crimes has doubled. CMPD said it is focusing thefts at Transportation Security Administration Security lines and by airline contract workers who steal items passengers leave on airplanes.
Under the plan, Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s police costs would rise to $5.5 million, which includes equipment and other costs, according to the airport’s budget. That’s up from the $2.6 million spent in fiscal 2012, when the airport had 41 officers.
Aviation director Jerry Orr said he opposes the increases because the added cost is passed on to the airlines. Some Charlotte officials argue that the city decision to switch to CMPD was correct, and that airport security is now more effective.
The tension highlights the ongoing struggle to control Charlotte’s airport. The General Assembly is considering a bill that would transfer control of Charlotte Douglas away from city government to an appointed authority.
The city is trying to show legislators and the community that it has helped the aviation department run Charlotte Douglas, which is now the nation’s sixth-busiest airport based on takeoffs and landings.
Increase in reported crimes
Under the bill filed by state Sen. Bob Rucho, a Matthews Republican, the new authority would be able to hire its own police force, giving it the power to take law enforcement supervision back from the city. Other airport authorities in North Carolina operate their own police forces.
The biggest increase in reported crimes has been in larcenies, according to the police memo. CMPD said the jump is due to the department taking a “proactive enforcement strategy” that’s more likely to catch criminals.
But Orr told the Observer on Friday he doesn’t think the airport needs to hire any more police.
“I don’t support that,” he said. One reason, he said, is that the airlines ultimately pay for the cost of a larger police force through higher user fees, which they ultimately pass on to passengers.
“All of that cost is being reimbursed,” he said. “The more people you have, the higher the cost.”
The decision by former City Manager Curt Walton to put CMPD in charge of airport security in November upset Orr, who alreadywas concerned that Walton was exerting too much influence over the airport. Orr has historically run the airport with little outside control.
Orr has said in past interviews that the airport could benefit from being run by an authority.
Asked Friday whether the police force was doing a good job before it was integrated into CMPD, Orr said: “Of course they were. Absolutely.”
Orr said he doesn’t know why the crime numbers increased.
“I haven’t really looked at it. It could have been any number of things,” he said.
CMPD has been in control at the airport for only two months, which isn’t a large amount of time to analyze long-term trends. It’s possible that the increase in larcenies is the result of more crime, not aggressive policing.
But City Council member David Howard said the city’s decision to switch security to CMPD is an example of why the airport should stay under its control.
“We don’t just want to be the most efficient, lowest-cost airport,” Howard said. “We want to be the safest.”
The officers who work at Charlotte Douglas haven’t changed since the takeover. But instead of reporting to the airport, the officers are now part of CMPD’s chain of command. The officers’ dispatching and communications have been transferred from the airport to CMPD’s communications center.
In the last two months, the airport has had 50 reported incidents of larceny. When Charlotte Douglas was in charge of airport police, there were 18 incidents of larceny reported a year ago and 13 incidents two years ago during the same time period.
Deputy Chief Kerr Putney’s four-page memo – which was partially redacted for security reasons – outlined some of the changes CMPD made since December:
• CMPD has partnered with an airline to reduce thefts once flights arrive at the gate. The report said that contract workers were stealing items left behind on planes.
The airline, whose name was blacked out in the memo, has donated two iPads and one iPhone for crime stings, according to the memo.
US Airways, which operates 90 percent of the flights at Charlotte Douglas, said in a statement that the airline’s security team has worked closely with airport police. That includes coordinating with police to recover items passengers leave behind. “There have been a few instances where an item was stolen, but these occasional occurrences do not constitute a pervasive theft problem,” spokeswoman Michelle Mohr wrote.
• CMPD said it is working to combat thefts since an employee was arrested for theft at a security screening lane.
The police blacked out which agency they are working with. However, a TSA screener was fired after being charged with stealing $36 from a passenger’s suitcase on New Year’s Day.
• The department also hopes to get access to the airport’s camera security systems, run by the airport and different federal agencies. “This video integration could greatly enhance security,” according to the memo.
CMPD declined to comment on the memo or its new strategy at the airport.
An airport employee, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly, told the Observer he had seen more officers patrolling parking lots and the terminal since the switch to CMPD.
Tisdale prompted review
Security became an issue at Charlotte Douglas after the November 2010 death of a North Mecklenburg High student, Delvonte Tisdale. Law enforcement believes Tisdale breached airport security and climbed inside the wheel well of a US Airways jet bound for Boston.
Tisdale’s body was found near Boston Logan airport, in the approach path for planes.
After Tisdale’s death, Walton asked CMPD to investigate airport security. The report said that Charlotte Douglas needed more security and improved perimeter fencing.
Earlier this month, Mayor Anthony Foxx and the Charlotte City Council wrote a letter to Mecklenburg’s legislative delegation, asking them to study the implications of switching Charlotte Douglas to an authority.
In the letter, they said one way the city had effectively managed the airport was improving security. It said a two-year review “revealed deficiencies severe enough to warrant turning over policing at the airport to Chief Monroe and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.”
Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is run by an authority, has its own police force that reports to airport officials, said airport spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin. Piedmont Triad International Airport, also run by an authority, has its own police force as well.
Bill on fast track
Two Matthews Republicans, Rucho and State Rep. William Brawley, are leading the push to shift control of Charlotte Douglas to an authority.
Rucho’s bill is on a fast track. It passed the Senate Rules Committee this week, and will now go to the Finance Committee, which Rucho chairs. If passed it would then go to the full Senate. If the legislature approves it, the bill does not need Gov. Pat McCrory’s signature to become law.
Rucho has said that the airport should be run by a full-time authority. He said the business community supports the authority and that some are concerned the city is becoming too involved in the airport’s day-to-day operations.  Source-Charlotte Observer
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/02/22/3871705/police-increase-officers-at-charlotte.html#storylink=cpy

Sequester and its Impact on Private Security Contractors www.privateofficer.com

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Washington DC Feb 23 2013 Mercenaries, defense contractors, private security contractors, call them what you like. As unfortunate it may be for some to accept, those who carry guns overseas operating on government contracts are an evil necessity. Not only do private security contractors (PSC's) assist with national security, they help bolster the US economy.
Unless the United States is willing to fundamentally change socially, culturally, and economically, we must learn to accept private security contractors as a legit profession. They are part of one of the largest economic enterprises for America--the military industrial complex. None of us have to like it, but we must learn to accept this unfortunate truth.
Most PCS's finance their own training and purchase their own equipment ranging from high valued clothing, sunglasses, watches, footwear, and high tech components used to assist in times of need.
A lot of this sounds ridiculous but the dollar amounts returned to US manufacturers and other unique organizations reaches, at times, tens of thousands of dollars annually per individual. Name another profession comprising of individuals willing to fork out that much personal dough just to do their job.
Private security contractors make a pretty penny and enjoy spending that penny. It's a multi-billion dollar industry and a lot of that money passes hands and eventually goes into a more traditional market like housing, vehicles, and other commodities.
With sequester possibly kicking in just a few days from now, what impact will it have on such a profession, a profession that historically loves spending their bounty?
The days operating abroad as a private security contractor (PSC) making approximately $1,000 a day are finished. In all fairness, those days have been long gone for some time now. The days of making a $300k annual salary have passed but that doesn't mean jobs aren't out there to be had.
Working as a PSC is unique and dangerous, yet often very gratifying. Those who have been in the business know, you can't make it a career unless you diversify your portfolio. PSC's would make exceptional investment managers due to their abilities to diversify themselves in unique yet highly sought after skill-sets.
For some, sequester can actually be a good thing--at least for private security contractors. As the Defense Department makes cuts and withdrawals out of Afghanistan, opportunities will become readily available from the State Department. Without sequestration, we actually witnessed this fact come to light after US troops withdrew from Iraq.
Contractors remain in Iraq, even today. They perform an array of missions most of which are funded through the US State Department. When troops leave Afghanistan, it is highly likely contractors will remain gainfully employed through similar State Department initiatives performing training, security, and reconstruction operations.
The Defense Department always pays well but the odds of landing a private contracting gig through a DOD solicitation is going to be tough in the near future. Thank God the State Department and other government agencies exist. If you want to continue working as a PSC, its critical to get outside your comfort zone and begin searching for opportunities elsewhere.
Anti-piracy operations have been largely proven successful in part by the incorporation of private security contractors. Between 2009 and 2012, piracy has witnessed a 27% decline in the Horn of Africa. More and more commercial fleets are hiring private armed guards to safeguard their vessels and evidence proves this security operation method effective.
Piracy is a world-wide issue and not just a problem in the Horn of Africa. Success has been identified as have the measures used to achieve such success. PSC's are critical in anti-piracy operations and its apparent more and more opportunities of employment will continue even in the commercial sector.
Global threats are continuing to increase via the spread of radicalization. The world witnessed US Ambassador Chris Stevens along with three other US citizens killed in Libya. An oil field was seized in Algeria. Africa, as a continent, is imploding with crises.
While the Middle East and Central Asia have been hotbeds for private security contractors, it's essential to start looking for work in Africa because there is a lot of work to be done there. Oil field security opportunities are abundant in Africa.
Equally abundant are opportunities working within the US State Department's Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program. For those wishing to risk greater margins in reward, there are always opportunities working with host nation governments. Unfortunately, this is a huge risk and not suggested for multiple reasons such as US laws and foreign corruption. While not recommended, it's still an option that can be explored.
For those who love the adventure operating in austere environments yet are tired of totting a weapon around, their are always opportunities in performing work with non-government organizations affiliated with US AID. You would still be a contractor, working abroad, and doing just as much good for others in this capacity. Plus, NGO's could always use a good second set of eyes quick to identify any potential threats.
With forecasted Defense budget cuts due to the potential of sequestration, private security contractors will be essential assets needed to ensure national security and prevention of total economic collapse. Opportunities to remain gainfully employed abroad will likely not only continue, they will expand. Its critical to begin searching beyond just the DOD and into other government agencies like the State Department and commercial entities as well.

Source-Huffington Post

Pair arrested after bouncer stabbed www.privateofficer.com

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Calaveras County CA Feb 23 2013   A bouncer at the Murphys Historic Hotel bar suffered stab wounds and a former Angels Camp man was arrested following an encounter last Friday, the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office reported.The Sheriff's Office said that Jeron Daniel Roberts, 34, stabbed the bouncer during a fight outside the bar.Deputies dispatched to the scene about 11:15 p.m. last Friday arrived to find the bouncer and others holding Roberts on the ground.While investigating the incident, deputies also arrested Douglas Koch, 26, of Angels Camp. Roberts and Koch reportedly arrived at the bar together and were already intoxicated, according to the Sheriff's Office report.Roberts was jailed on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Koch was jailed on suspicion of misdemeanor public intoxication. The bouncer received medical treatment at the scene. Investigators said his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.Investigators said the weapon used was a folding knife with a 4-inch blade. source-recordnet.com

FBI raids Scooter Store www.privateofficer.com

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San Antonio TX Feb 23 2013 In TV ads, the Scooter Store suggests to seniors and others needing motorized scooters and wheelchairs that they can be had for almost no cost because the company will handle all the messy paperwork with insurers, particularly Medicare.

Wednesday and Thursday brought another example that nothing is free. Somebody - often taxpayers - has to pay.
About 150 state and federal law enforcement officers raided the company's headquarters in a San Antonio suburb. The action was another phase in an ongoing health-care fraud investigation of the Scooter Store, which has an outlet in the Philadelphia region.
A spokesman for the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, which administers Medicare and Medicaid, would say only that the agency "executed a search warrant at several locations of the Scooter Store and that we were part of a multiagency task force."
The San Antonio Express-News reported that OIG was joined by the FBI and the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid fraud unit.
The Scooter Store's Philadelphia outlet is in Trainer, Delaware County. The manager declined to give his name and referred a reporter to the national office, which did not respond to phone and e-mail requests for comment.

This raid is a welcome step toward cracking down on waste and fraud in Medicare payments for motorized wheelchairs involving the Scooter Store," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) said in a statement. "I have urged action to stop abusive overpayments for such devices - costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and preying on seniors with deceptive sales pitches."
The cost of health care is a huge component in local, state, and national debates about how to solve budget challenges. In recent years, the federal government has increased efforts to scrutinize billing practices and thwart fraud, with durable medical devices being one area of particular concern.
Blumenthal is among the congressional leaders who have urged federal authorities to crack down on what they view as deceptive advertising that results in some angry seniors and bills for all taxpayers.
As Blumenthal noted, this is not the first time the Scooter Store has faced allegations of fraud.
In 2007, the company settled a civil suit with the Justice Department by paying $4 million and forgoing $13 million in Medicare claims after the government alleged the company submitted false claims for power wheelchairs that, among other things, beneficiaries did not want, did not need, or could not use.
The company's five-year corporate integrity agreement with the government was due to expire in 2012 but remains open. The company was also supposed to reimburse the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) $19.5 million for overpayments between 2009 and 2011, according to the San Antonio newspaper. However, senators criticized the CMS for not pushing for more reimbursements, based on an outside audit of the company's operations.
The company's website has a specific category of products called "Medicare-Reimbursable Power Chairs," with several listed for $3,699. It posed the question many seniors would ask: Is the power chair or scooter entirely covered by my insurance?
The answer had a few caveats, including the Medicare requirement to meet with a doctor to determine mobility needs. It also said: "If you qualify, Medicare may cover up to 80 percent of the cost of your power chair. Your supplemental insurance may pay the remaining 20 percent. In most cases, our customers pay little to nothing for their power chairs."


source -philly.com

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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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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