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by gilster
on Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:18 am |
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0704060431apr07,1,4935845.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
NATION
Whisper, whimper, but don't scream
By Aaron C. Davis
Associated Press
Published April 7, 2007
SACRAMENTO -- No screaming on the Screamer!
A suburban amusement park has had so many complaints from neighbors about bloodcurdling screams that it has instituted a no-shrieking rule for its scary new thrill ride, the Scandia Screamer, a gigantic, windmill-like contraption that sends people plunging 16 stories toward the ground at nearly 60 m.p.h.
Riders who let out a screech -- or just about any other noise -- are pulled off and sent to the back of the line.
"After the first complaint, our rule was no profanity," said Steve Baddley, general manager at the Scandia Family Fun Center. "Then neighbors said it wasn't just that -- it was the crazy, excessive screaming. Then they said it was really all of it, the loud laughing, everything. Eventually, we said, 'Bag it, that's it -- no noise.'
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The rule was imposed March 29, nearly three weeks after the ride opened.
As passengers are strapped into the two metal baskets, the operator recites this warning: "We are required to remove you from this ride if you make any noise. If you feel you might make a noise, please cover your mouth tightly with your hand, like this. [The operator then covers mouth with hand.] If we hear any noise through your hand, we will remove you from the ride. So please remain silent and enjoy the Screamer."
Those who dared the ride this week said keeping quiet is harder than it sounds.
"I think we were just talking loudly. I wouldn't say it was screaming," said 15-year-old Anna Matsoyan, after she and her little sister were pulled off the ride for what sounded more like a whimper. "It's kind of a bummer. It makes you want to scream."
The ban can also be confusing for the ride's operators. Last weekend, park employees stopped the Screamer only to realize it wasn't a rider who ran afoul of the new policy, but a customer on the park's miniature golf course who howled after hitting a hole in one.
Most of the complaints have come from residents in a pocket of neatly landscaped homes that are separated from the 30-year-old amusement park by a 12-lane freeway.
Tom Gardner and other neighbors acknowledge that living next to Interstate Highway 80 is noisy, but say the Screamer has become an entirely new kind of nuisance. It is loud, lights up at night and gives riders a peek into back-yard swimming pools, they say.
The 165-foot ride is so tall that the Federal Aviation Administration forced the amusement park to install warning lights on its rotating arms.
Gardner has moved his cigar smoking to his garage because the Screamer has marred the view from his back patio.
"I'm sure it's affected our property value," he said.
Given the new policy, will the Scandia Screamer be renamed?
"No, we can't afford a new sign," Baddley said. "Besides, it's kind of our niche now. Those who have complained have created a ton more business for the very thing they complained about."
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And you have to check out these houses - they are right smack on the highway - park is across the street.
http://www.zillow.com/HomeDetails.htm?zprop=26022359 |
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gilster
Smokers Rights Activist
Joined: Apr 19, 2006
Posts: 834
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by smallbird
on Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:37 am |
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I'm sure these people are going to be a little bit irked if they find out that their home address is posted on the internet 
However, the view from his back patio consists of a noise wall! Or am I misinterpreting the picture? |
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smallbird
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Joined: Jan 03, 2007
Posts: 250
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by gilster
on Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:53 pm |
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I don't know if it's their exact address or not - just got the address of the park and checked out the satellite on zillow to find the street the people lived on.
I posted the zillow site to see what was built first - the park or the houses. The park was there first - the street was put in after.
And I'll agree - Zillow is very intrusive...
It's creepy seeing your car in your driveway on the website.
But I still like the site. |
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gilster
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Posts: 834
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by smallbird
on Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:47 pm |
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Oh, I like Zillow.com too. It's fun to look at the Seattle site and see what our old houses are now worth! Maybe we should be kicking ourselves for selling them in the late 70s.  |
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smallbird
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by gregory
on Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:21 am |
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What's the big deal with these people? I think that if the park was there first, that should dictate the policy.
In fact, I asked for a Screamer for christmas, but all I got was a Sweater. |
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gregory
Enthusiastic Smoker
Joined: Mar 29, 2007
Posts: 270
Location: America...I think?
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