THE PRESIDENT: Thank you to a very special man, Orrin Hatch, for the introduction. And that was truly a nice introduction and I appreciate it.
I want to especially thank you for the tremendous work in ushering massive tax cuts and reform through the Senate. Just happened, and we have a final step to go. And I predict we're going to be very successful. We're talking about massive, massive tax cuts. (Applause.) It's tax cuts and reform, but I always mention tax cuts first because that's what people like to hear.
We're now one huge step closer to delivering to the American people the historic tax relief as a giant present for Christmas. Remember I said we're bringing Christmas back? Christmas is back, bigger and better than ever before. We're bringing Christmas back. (Applause.) And we say it now with pride. Let me just say, to those here today and all across the country: Merry Christmas to everybody. (Applause.) And also, happy holidays and a great New Year. We're going to have a great, great year.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mike.
I also want to recognize your fantastic representatives who are with us — Rob Bishop, John Curtis, Chris Stewart, and Mia Love. Thank you all. You're here. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
And I have to say, really — talk about a very special guy that I made Secretary of the Interior. Does he know the interior. He's knows it, he loves it. He loves seeing it and riding on it. Ryan Zinke, who truly believes in protecting America — he is protecting America. And nobody loves it more. Ryan. (Applause.) Thank you. Just as he protected America as an officer of the legendary Seal Team Six. He's a tough cookie and you've done a great job. Thank you, Ryan.
Governor Gary Herbert. Where is Gary? Come on Gary. Come on, Gary. Get over there, Gary. So they can — (applause) — and you're your wife, the First Lady, is fantastic. Thank you very much. First Lady. Thank you, First Lady.
Attorney General Sean Reyes. Sean, thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. An original supporter of mine. You know, you always remember those original supporters. Greg Hughes. Greg, thank you. (Applause.) He was an original right at the beginning. Thank you, Greg. He had a feeling.
Finally, I want to recognize the members of the local Utah Navajo. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Really appreciate it. We're profoundly honored by your presence here today, and I'm thrilled to be here with so many wonderful friends, so many people that saw something a little special and they said, we're with him, and I'm really working hard to put it back. And that's what we're doing today. This magnificent capitol, in your incredible state. And it is special people in a special state. Thank you very much for being here.
I've just come from touring Welfare Square with Senator Hatch and some amazing people from the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. (Applause.) Special. I spent a lot of time with them. In fact, I went around the store, I wanted a nice can of tuna fish — (laughter) — and they had plenty. They really help people. Incredible.
After our visit, I can truly say firsthand that Utah's awesome natural beauty is exceeded only by the warmth and grace and hospitality of its citizens. This state has many natural treasures, but its greatest treasure by far is its people. (Applause.) And we will ensure the right of the people to live according to the faith in their hearts, which is why we will always protect your religious liberty. (Applause.) And we've been doing that.
And that is why I'm here today: Because some people think that the natural resources of Utah should be controlled by a small handful of very distant bureaucrats located in Washington. And guess what? They're wrong.
The families and communities of Utah know and love this land the best, and you know the best how to take care of your land. You know how to protect it, and you know best how to conserve this land for many, many generations to come.
Your timeless bond with the outdoors should not be replaced with the whims of regulators thousands and thousands of miles away. They don't know your land, and truly, they don't care for your land like you do. (Applause). But from now on, that won't matter. I've come to Utah to take a very historic action to reverse federal overreach and restore the rights of this land to your citizens. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
But before I began — because I understood how big it is — I'm a real estate developer. When they start talking about millions of acres, I say, say it again? That's a lot. So, before I began, I met with Senator Orrin Hatch, who loves Utah and loves the people of Utah. I called Senator Mike Lee, who loves Utah and loves the people of Utah. I called your governor. I called my original — where is he? There he is. I called all of the friends that I have in Utah. I said, what do you think? I said, will this be good for our country, and will it be good for your state? They said this would be incredible for our country, will be incredible for Utah. Finally, you would be giving people back their access to the land they know, to the land they understand, and most importantly, to the land that they love.
I also said, will it be at all controversial? They all told me no. (Laughter.) How did that happen? I don't think it is controversial, actually. I think it's so sensible.
As many of you know, past administrations have severely abused the purpose, spirit, and intent of a century-old law known as the Antiquities Act. This law requires that only the smallest necessary area be set aside for special protection as national monuments. Unfortunately, previous administrations have ignored the standard and used the law to lock up hundreds of millions of acres of land and water under strict government control.
These abuses of the Antiquities Act give enormous power to faraway bureaucrats at the expense of the people who actually live here, work here, and make this place their home. This is where they raise their children. This is the place they love.
For example, the previous administration designated more than a half a billion acres of land and water, including Bears Ears. It did so over the loud objections of the people of this state and their elected representatives. Governor — right?
The results have been very sad and very predictable. Here, and in other affected states, we have seen harmful and unnecessary restrictions on hunting, ranching, and responsible economic development. We have seen grazing restrictions prevent ranching families from passing their businesses and beloved heritage on to the children — the children that they love.
We've seen many rural families stopped from enjoying their outdoor activities. And the fact they've done it all their lives made no difference to the bureaucrats in Washington.
These abuses of the Antiquities Act have not just threatened your local economies; they've threatened your very way of life. They've threatened your hearts.
With the action I'm taking today, we will not only give back your voice over the use of this land, we will also restore your access and your enjoyment. Public lands will once again be for public use — (applause) — because we know that people who are free to use their land and enjoy their land are the people most determined to conserve their land.
One values the splendor of Utah more than — I'll tell you what, there's nobody out there. I just came in, and I'm looking around with Orrin and with Mike and with the governor and with everybody, and I'm just saying, what a beautiful picture it is. But no one values the splendor of Utah more than you do, and no one knows better how to use it.
With your help in treating our natural bounty with respect, gratitude, and love, we will put our nation's treasures to great and wonderful use. Families will hike and hunt on land they have known for generations, and they will preserve it for generations to come. Cattle will graze along the open range. Sweeping landscapes will inspire young Americans to dream beyond the horizon. And the world will stand in awe of the artistry God has worked right here in your great state.
Together, we will usher in a bright new future of wonder and wealth, liberty and law, and patriotism and pride all across this great land.


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Street sweeping in the Jacksonville area is not just for cosmetic reasons, though that is the most noticeable result. Clean streets inspire residents to take more pride and ownership in their community, but did you know it also makes the community safer? Removing abrasive materials from the roadways will lengthen their service life, protecting their surface and striping. Build-up of these materials can cause roadways to become slippery and enhance the risk of auto accidents, but weekly street sweeping removes these hazardous materials and maintains the friction of the road.
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Simulation as Storytelling
I've been wracking my brain recently over the issue of storytelling in videogames; namely, that videogames aren't narratives in the traditional sense and actually supersede narrative form through mediated interactivity and a temporal experience. As Patrick Crogan suggests in his article "Gametime: History, Narrative, and Temporality in Combat Flight Simulator 2," this mediated interactivity and temporal experience "can best be understood as a transformed narrative operation," or a narrative that operates within the rules of a videogame to become something else entirely.[i] Though videogames have often sought to merge media and--particularly in its early history--looked to filmic design for inspiration, the last decade has seen some insight and new approaches to storytelling through the videogame medium. Many games have approached storytelling with what now has become typical and quite dated—a switch between interactive and noninteractive states, such as between active gameplay and cut-scenes or cinematics. This "temporal oscillation," as Lev Manovich calls it in his book The Language of New Media, [ii] is the very indication of a separation between narrative and gameplay. The gameplay stops, control is taken from the player, and a narrative chunk ensues. When that narrative chunk ends, control is returned to the player, and gameplay resumes; in essence, the narrative chunk needn't be there for gameplay to exist as it was. The narrative is delivered separately from gameplay, acting in a supplementary and secondary role. The supplementation of narrative in a videogame like this does not exist "as surplus," but is exterior in its existence. It replaces the identity of the game itself to produce something new; the contexts the videogame's story introduces are not irrelevant to the game itself. It does not exist separately as the game is experienced. Nonetheless, there is a very obvious split when it is delivered as temporal oscillation.
Looking at videogame storytelling in the same way that we might look at drama, film, or text is misleading as the medium itself is so different from those forms. Videogames are naturally interactive and, of course, are games based on play and their own set of rules. In order to experience a videogame one has to learn to operate within its rules and thereby master the functions that allow agency and control in the gameworld. This leads to a transformed narrative operation. We cannot approach videogames as narratives, but must see them as a new media and more than just a conglomeration of different devices. I completely agree with Manovich when he said that the literary and traditional narrative is "too restrictive" for new media,[iii] and with Crogan who suggests that videogames are a new form, a "mutated temporalization" in which story/narrative functions on the same plane as gameplay.
Developers have addressed the issue of narrative and temporal oscillation in several ways in an attempt to make stories more immersive and merged within the gameplay itself. A game like Electronic Arts's Dead Space ignored Manovich's temporal oscillation since the game doesn't switch between interactive and noninteractive segments of gameplay. Control is always in the player's hands as protagonist Isaac. All noninteractive elements are within the controllable—or diegetic—gamespace, such as Isaac's heads up display (HUD) or as other characters onscreen. Though these particular elements may not be interacted with as they are (the HUD can be changed at will, completely ignoring the visualization of transmissions, but the transmission itself cannot be reconstituted—a player may not change the script, facial expressions, or camera angles in the transmissions) it is up to the player if they wish to stop and watch, continue on, or fool around in the environment as the transmissions commence.
When I first experienced this it absolutely blew me away. I had experienced other games that attempted to make all nondiegetic elements (like menus) diegetic, but I had never seen it done with such fluidity. In Dead Space, if a menu is opened, it hovers in front of Isaac like a floating virtual window, and the player may spin the third-person camera around to see the menu in reverse from in front of Isaac. This goes the same for every transmission Isaac receives from other characters. I was astounded, and the fact that control and point of view is never relinquished by the player in the manner of temporal oscillation was groundbreaking to me. The gameplay and narrative come together as one stream of temporality. This tactic allows players to completely inhabit the world during their session, maximizing immersion in the visual and cognitive sense.
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us still uses temporal oscillation with cinematic switches to deliver important plot points, but a great deal of character development takes place while players are in control. Lots of discussion happens while players traverse the landscape, and even while sneaking up on enemies or fighting them in the open. The banter between Ellie, Joel, and other characters in these sequences feels natural and fills the otherwise empty space. Not only that, but it creates a continuum between cut-scenes and gameplay that was otherwise absent. The dangers of the world feel more "real" in the sense that the characters themselves feel more human, so players care more about them. I felt closer to the characters because of those light touches, and the experience as a story rather than just an algorithm to master made my actions feel significant. Cut-scenes feel less like a reward for completing a section of gameplay and more like a continuation of it.
My point with this academic interlude is that games have changed a great deal in just the last decade, and there are improving examples of games that merge storytelling and gameplay into a very cohesive, natural, and effective experience. This is the very strength of videogames as a medium; they provide experiences that we participate directly in, and therefore become a part of. We enter a simulation of a fictional space that we then inhabit. It is my hope that videogames continue evolving as a medium to provide more and more meaningful experiences.
[i] Crogan, Patrick. "Gametime: History, Narrative, and Temporality in Combat Flight Simulator 2." In The Videogame Theory Reader. Edited by Mark J.P. Wolf and Bernard Perron. New York: Routledge, 2003. Pg 275
[ii] Manovich, Lev. The Language of New Media. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2001. Pg 210-211
[iii] Manovich, Lev. The Language of New Media. Combridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2001. Pg.264
narrative, storytelling, interactive, dead space, the last of us
A New Evil Look: Resident Evil VII ...
The Post-Apocalyptic Western

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Barry's Condo at Sand Dollar – Offering a condo for rent at the Sand Dollar Condominium Resort.
Bellafonte – Luxury oceanfront accommodations in the Belnem section of Bonaire.
BelMar Oceanfront Apartments – Ocean front condominiums and apartments featuring private terracies and balconies, fresh water pool, on-site dive operation.
Bonaire Exclusief Bungalows – Apartments and Bungalows located near downtown Kralendijk and the harbour/coast area.
Bonaire Oceanfront – Oceanfront villa with pool located in the Belnem area of Bonaire.
Bonaire Town Homes – One and two bedroom vacation apartments, located within walking distance of downtown Kralendijk, Bonaire.
Buddy Dive Resort – Features a scuba tank "drive-through" for Bonaire shore diving. Resort offers variety of apartments, restaurant, bar, dive shop.
Coco Palm Garden – Affordable apartments on Bonaire within walking distance to the beach and a couple of minutes by car from windsurfing at Sorobon.
Deep Blue View – Intimate resort for divers, snorkelers, windurfers and more.
Divers Paradise Bonaire – Features seven one-bedroom apartments, north of Kralendijk, near ocean.
Dos Iguana – Lodging in remote area surrounded by nature.
Hamlet Bonaire – Studio, one bedroom and two bedroom cottages in northern resort area.
Harbour Village – Bonaire's most luxurious resort. Features a highly rated spa, as well as one of the only two marinas on the island.
Island Rentals Bon Village Villas – Apartments in residential area, A/C, kitchenette.
Lagoen Hill – Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom bungalows. Four km (2 miles) to Kralendijk on the road to Lagoen Bay.
Lighthouse Beach Resort – Offers rentals at Bonaire's Lighthouse Beach Resort.
Lima Apartments – Apartment for rent in the Belnem section of Bonaire.
Lions Dive Resort – Small Bonaire dive resort located north of Kralendijk.
Louth Realty Management – Provides owner-direct booking of condos at the Sand Dollar Condominium Resort.
Ocean View Villas – Private apartments located in Belnem, the southern part of Bonaire, and a short walk to Bachelor Beach.
Pamboe Apartments – Apartments situated in the countryside, about 5 minutes walk from the ocean.
Plaza Villas Port Bonaire – Vacation rentals which are associated with the Plaza Resort.
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort – The second largest dive resort on Bonaire. Offers wide range of room types.
Sanders Bonaire Apartments – Property offering two 2 bedroom apartments in the Antriol section of Bonaire.
Sun Oceanfront Apartments – Oceanfront apartments in downtown Kralendijk, featuring pool and on-site scuba tank pick-up/drop-off.
Tropicana Apartments – Budget vacation rentals located in southern Kralendijk.
Yacht Club Apartments – Apartments with pool located near the marina.


To a layman the phrase green conjures up images of green meadows, gushing streams of crystal clear water, clean uncontaminated air and dense forests. But for the true connoisseurs of fine liquor the word green connotes a different meaning. Connoisseurs of liquor associate the phrase green to the legendary alcoholic drink absinthe. Absinthe liquor was the most popular drink of nineteenth century Europe. It was also passionately known as the Green fairy by faithful devotees.
The French latched onto this liquor and shortly it rivaled wine in recognition. Even now people display an amazing affection to this anise-flavored drink. The aura that absinthe liquor has, apart from the flavor, can be due to the history and the intricate ceremonial ritual that should be followed while drinking it. Absinthe has a bitter taste which can be associated with its basic ingredients like wormwood, fennel, and anise. Absinthe liquor has high alcohol content usually in the range of 60% to 70%. Such high proof is necessary to maintain the natural green color of the drink.
Absinthe is not your daily drink like whisky. It is a drink with illustrious history and culture behind it. Absinthe became so popular in France and Europe that wine makers were concered about their business prospects. This intense rivalry led wine makers to spread gossips and stories about the dangerous effects of absinthe. Some of the unsubstantiated claims made at that time resulted in most countries suspending absinthe.
However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century most countries in the European Union started lifting the unjust ban on absinthe. Today, absinthe has stopped being prohibited in Europe and the day is not far when it will recover its rightful place as the best and finest liquor of all times. The pleasant effects of absinthe can be attributed to its ingredients. Wormwood is the main herb utilized in the making of absinthe. Wormwood includes a chemical called thujone which is a brain stimulant. The allowable amount of thujone in absinthe in the US is 10 mg and 35 mg in Europe.
Absinthe has high alcohol content and it must not be consumed in excess; three portions of absinthe is ample to feel the absinthe effect. The effect is pleasant and you're feeling slightly inebriated but there's a feeling of lucidity that your mind experiences. The colors surrounding you seem brighter than they usually do, you can see, smell, and taste far better. Your feeling of perception is improved and in some cases everyday chores find a way to provide you with a new experience. This property of absinthe was answerable for its immense attraction to artists. Many a fantastic painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso were avid customers of absinthe and credited their creative genius to its splendid effects.
Thankfully, most Europeans have accessibility to absinthe. US citizens can now buy absinthe on the internet from non-US producers. US citizens could also order genuine absinthe kits and prepare their very own absinthe liquor by following the basic instructions which come along with the kit. For more information on absinthe kits along with other absinthe merchandise visit absinthekit.com.


Carolyn Dalgliesh has written a fabulous book called The Sensory Child Gets Organized (http://www.carolyndalgliesh.com) which is a great easy to read how to book on helping create and environment that works with not against your sensory child. What is a sensory child? Basically its a kid who struggles to differentiate between sensory inputs from their environment which tends to lead them to hitting a point of overwhelm rather quickly. When I read the book my overwhelming though was "this is great but how the heck am I meant to put this into place". The rather large flaw in the plan was that I am a very Sensory Mummy so the very things that my children struggle with I am struggling with too. I walk into our home and frankly if it wasn't for my Mother drilling into me over my childhood to just start at the door and move clockwise I would never get anywhere. To me it is just a wall of chaos and colour and smells (not always pleasant mind you thanks to the cat and dishes in a small townhouse). I can not count how many times I have just stood there on the verge of tears faced with the overwhelming task of "just cleaning it up". I am at this moment hiding in my room writing because I can not face the cacophony of sensations that await me downstairs. I desperately need to get this under control but I can not see the path ahead clearly. So that is now my next big challenge. How to put into practice strategies and solutions to make the rather complex task of managing and facilitating 4 unique human beings as they go about their days. As I tackle mini projects or even a few big ones I will be adding my findings and discoveries to the site. As for the diet and lifestyle thing, well thats on going. I have discovered a few interesting hurdles that now need to be addressed and am working on that with various professionals. Nothing wrong with getting help when you need it, I will be updating that journey as I go along but for now its too personal. Now its time to face the chaos and try get some sort of order to the kitchen at least because I have about 1 1/2 hrs before tummies get hungry and the demands start up again. Image is from https://www.facebook.com/carolyndalglieshauthor and I encourage anyone interested in the book or her approach towards Sensory Organizing to visit her on Facebook or via her site http://www.carolyndalgliesh.com. I do not receive ANY kickbacks, rewards or 'gold stars' for mentioning this I just like to give credit where it's due.


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Rare footage of fighting Mulga snakes recorded at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary
Fighting mulga snakes captured on film on wildlife reserve in outback NSW.
Post Tags animalsdiscoveryNewsoceanssharksvideo
Home News New 'walking' shark discovered
New 'walking' shark discovered
A new bamboo shark species that uses its fins to 'walk' across the sea floor has been discovered in Indonesia.
By Jonathan Ives • September 5, 2013 • Reading Time: 2 Minutes	• Print this page
The new species 'walking' off the coast of Indonesia. (Photo: © Conservation International/photo by Mark Erdmann)
A NEW SPECIES OF bamboo or 'walking' shark has been discovered in Indonesia.
Recently described in Aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology, the species, Hemiscyllium halmahera, was first photographed by a dive guide in 2008 who informed scientists, including Dr Mark Erdmann, senior advisor to Conservation International's Indonesia Marine Program.
"We immediately noted the colouration differences, which in general are very important in walking sharks," says Mark. "But it was only much later during an expedition with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and local University of Khairun in Ternate that we were able to verify this new species."
This beautiful new species belongs to a group known as epaulette sharks, recognisable by their large black spots, reminiscent of military epaulettes, located behind each pectoral fin. Named after the island of Halmahera in North Maluku Province, where it is found exclusively, H. halmahera has a light brown colour with leopard-like dark brown spots alternating with scattered white spots. Unlike similar species, it has relatively few spots on the snout.
A shark that walks
Although walking sharks can swim when required, they are famous for their unique behaviour of utilising their fins like hands to 'walk' over the reef. "As their prey is mostly small benthic fishes and invertebrates like crustaceans (crabs, shrimps) and molluscs, they have adapted a 'walking' behaviour whereby they basically crawl over the substrate, poking their heads beneath overhanging coral heads," says Mark.
Professor Colin Simpfendorfer, shark researcher from James Cook University and Director for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture says it is amazing that such a distinctive species has remained undiscovered for so long.
Colin suggests discoveries like this are not alone, with an average of one new shark species being discovered every two weeks over the past 20 years. "It shows we still have a lot to learn about the ocean."
New conservation hope
This discovery also has a significant role to play in conservation, with six of the nine known species of walking shark found in Indonesian waters.
For nearly three decades Indonesia has been the world's leading exporter of shark products, including shark fins. In recent times, however, there has been a growing understanding of shark diversity and an awareness of their ecological importance.
"By gaining this type of understanding, people become more understanding of the challenges that sharks are facing and are supportive of conservation efforts," says Colin.
Mark is delighted to see the increased focus on sustainable management and conservation of sharks in Indonesia, acknowledging that a main impetus in moving forward with their research was a request from the Halmahera government to help promote the unique species of their area. He suggests the new walking shark could act as a great local ambassador for conservation.
Palm cockatoo populations projected to halve in 50 years


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Six Flags Entertainment Corp (SIX) SEC Filing 10-Q Quarterly report for the period ending Saturday, March 31, 2018
Home SEC Filings Six Flags Entertainment Corp (SIX) 10-Q Quarterly Report Wed Apr 25 2018
Earnings Press Release
10-Q Quarterly Report
10-Q QoQ Changes
Six Flags Entertainment Corp
Ticker: SIX CIK: 701374
Stephen Purtell
Investor Relations and Treasurer
spurtell@sftp.com
Record Start to 2018 at Six Flags
First Quarter Revenue Grows 30 Percent Driven by 27 Percent Increase in Attendance
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — April 24, 2018 —
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world's largest regional theme park company, today announced that revenue for the first quarter of 2018 increased by $29 million or 30 percent from the first quarter of 2017 to a record-high $129 million. The revenue growth resulted primarily from a 27 percent increase in the number of guests visiting Six Flags parks, and the success of both the company's pricing strategy and international licensing program. Attendance at Six Flags properties grew by 0.5 million to 2.4 million guests. This increase was driven by additional operating days from Six Flags Magic Mountain moving to a 365-day calendar; Hurricane Harbor Mexico being open in the first quarter, while not open in the first quarter of 2017; adjustments to park operating schedules due to the earlier timing of the Easter holiday; and additional attendance due to the company's higher Active Pass Base, which represents the total number of guests who have purchased a season pass or who are enrolled in the company's membership program.
"We are firing on all cylinders as we made excellent progress in the quarter against each of our five growth initiatives," said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO. "With our record-high Active Pass Base, ongoing price increases across all ticket and culinary programs, growing dining pass penetration, new water park openings and new international licensing agreements, we are poised to deliver another record year of financial performance in 2018. We remain laser-focused on exceeding $600 million of Modified EBITDA1 in 2018 and continue to work toward our long-term aspirational goal of $750 million of Modified EBITDA by 2020."
Since most of the parks were not scheduled to be open during the first quarter, the company had a net loss during the quarter of $62 million. The loss per share for the first quarter of 2018 was $0.74 compared to a loss per share of $0.63 in the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to a reduced tax benefit in the quarter because of federal tax reform. Adjusted EBITDA2 for the first quarter was a loss of $19 million, an improvement of $16 million over the prior year period primarily due to the 27 percent increase in attendance and higher guest spending per capita. Modified EBITDA for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018, was $574 million, an increase of $41 million or 8 percent compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2017. Modified EBITDA margin for the 12-month period improved to a new industry high of 41.4 percent.
The company's Active Pass Base increased 10 percent year-over-year to a new all-time high for the first quarter. Increasing season pass and membership penetration is a key tenet of the company's growth strategy, providing a platform of recurring revenue and the ability to further grow attendance as the company expands its network of parks. Season pass holders, and especially members, are the company's most loyal and valuable guests, generating more recurring revenue and cash flow for the company than a single day guest. Season passes and memberships also provide an excellent hedge against inclement weather throughout the season.
Deferred revenue of $182 million as of March 31, 2018, increased by $25 million or 16 percent from March 31, 2017, primarily due to a higher level of season pass, membership and all season dining pass sales for the 2018 season.
Total guest spending per capita for the first quarter of 2018 was $46.07, an increase of $1.78 or 4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017. Admissions revenue per capita increased $0.66 to $28.15 and in-park spending per capita increased $1.12 to $17.93. Favorable foreign currency rate translation accounted for $0.59 of the increase in total guest spending per capita, although it had a negligible impact on Modified EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.
In the first quarter of 2018, the company invested $42 million in new capital projects. The company also paid $66.0 million in dividends, or $0.78 per common share, and repurchased 1.3 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $81 million, leaving 83.5 million shares of stock outstanding as of March 31, 2018. The authorized share repurchase amount available as of March 31, 2018, was $262 million.
Net Debt3 as of March 31, 2018, calculated as total reported debt of $2.18 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $33 million, was $2.14 billion, representing a net leverage ratio of 4.0 times Adjusted EBITDA.
The following information was filed by Six Flags Entertainment Corp (SIX) on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 as an 8K 2.02 statement, which is an earnings press release pertaining to results of operations and financial condition. It may be helpful to assess the quality of management by comparing the information in the press release to the information in the accompanying 10-Q Quarterly Report statement of earnings and operation as management may choose to highlight particular information in the press release.
View differences made from one quarter to another to evaluate Six Flags Entertainment Corp's financial trajectory
Compare this 10-Q Quarterly Report to its predecessor by reading our highlights to see what text and tables were removed , added and changed by Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
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Inside Six Flags Entertainment Corp's 10-Q Quarterly Report:
Revenue - Product	Highlight
Our liquidity could also be adversely affected by a disruption in the availability of credit as well as unfavorable weather natural disasters contagious diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, or swine or avian flu accidents or the occurrence of an event or condition at our parks, including terrorist acts or threats inside or outside of our parks negative publicity or significant local competitive events, which could significantly reduce paid attendance and revenue related to that attendance at any of our parks.
Financial - Dividend	Highlight
In February 2018, Holdings Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from $0.70 per share of common stock to $0.78 per share of common stock.
The increase in admissions revenue per capita was primarily driven by continued pricing improvements related to all tickets partially offset by a higher attendance mix of our season pass and membership holders.
The increase in non-admissions revenue per capita was also driven by the success of our yield-management strategies along with increased food sales related to the success of our All-Season Dining Pass program and favorable exchange rates relative to the Mexican Peso.
A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of these notes was used to redeem all of the outstanding 2021 Notes and to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the 2021 Notes, including to pay accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and the related redemption premium on the 2021 Notes, and to pay related fees and expenses.
Financial - Expense
Operating expenses for the three...Read more
These increases were partially offset...Read more
Other - Other
The proceeds of the additional...Read more
Financial - Cash Flow
Based on historical and anticipated...Read more
Selling, general and administrative expenses...Read more
These were partially offset by...Read more
Revenue - Product
Our revenue is primarily derived...Read more
Excluding the cost to execute...Read more
As future events and their...Read more
Cost of products sold as...Read more
Revenue for the three months...Read more
Financial - Dividend
Based on i the dividends...Read more
Interest expense, net increased $4.9...Read more
Holdings fully utilized the availability...Read more
Total revenue per capita representing...Read more
Financial - Shares
As of April 20, 2018,...Read more
Under the Amended and Restated...Read more
We used $150.0 million of...Read more
Admissions revenue per capita increased...Read more
Non-admissions revenue per capita increased...Read more
Our principal costs of operations...Read more
Net cash provided by financing...Read more
Depreciation and amortization expense for...Read more
The increase in depreciation and...Read more
Financial - Income
Income tax benefit decreased $17.9...Read more
If such an adverse event...Read more
Our ability to borrow under...Read more
A large portion of our...Read more
Inside this 10-Q Quarterly Report
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (parenthetical)
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (parenthetical)
Condensed Consolidation Statements Of Comprehensive Income
Condensed Consolidation Statements Of Comprehensive Income (parenthetical)
Condensed Consolidation Statements Of Cash Flows
General - Basis Of Presentation
Long-term Indebtedness
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Pension Benefits
Stock Repurchase Plans
Subsequent Event
General - Basis Of Presentation (policies)
General - Basis Of Presentation (tables)
Revenue (tables)
Long-term Indebtedness (tables)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (tables)
Business Segments (tables)
Pension Benefits (tables)
General - Basis Of Presentation (details)
General - Basis Of Presentation (details 2)
Revenue - Narrative (details)
Revenue Revenue - Schedule Of Change Due To Topic 606 Adoption (details)
Revenue Revenue - Disaggregation Of Revenue (details)
Revenue Revenue - Performance Obligations (details)
Long-term Indebtedness (details)
Long-term Indebtedness (details 2)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (details)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (details 2)
Commitments And Contingencies (details)
Commitments And Contingencies (details 2)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (details)
Business Segments (details)
Business Segments (details 2)
Pension Benefits (details)
Stock Repurchase Plans (details)
Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (details)
Six Flags Entertainment Corp provided additional information to their SEC Filing as exhibits
Exhibit 10.1: Material Contract
Exhibit 31.1: Section 302 Ceo Certification
Exhibit 31.2: Section 302 Cfo Certification
Ticker: SIX
Form Type: 10-Q Quarterly Report
Submitted to the SEC: Wed Apr 25 2018 5:06:03 PM EST
Accepted by the SEC: Wed Apr 25 2018
Period: Saturday, March 31, 2018
Industry: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation
https://last10k.com/sec-filings/six/0000701374-18-000100.htm


State officials say the unemployment rate in Rhode Island fell to 5.9 percent in May.
It's the first time the state's unemployment rate has been below 6 percent since 2007.
The state Department of Labor and Training on Thursday says the unemployment rate last month dropped two-tenths of a percentage point from April, when it was 6.1 percent.
The unemployment rate nationally in May was 5.5 percent.
Officials say the number of unemployed Rhode Island residents who are actively seeking employment fell to 33,100. That's more than 10,000 fewer than a year ago at this time.
The number of employed residents was around 523,000, up 12,000 from May 2014.


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text:
5 Things to Do This Weekend (Aug. 21-23)
Here are five ways to have fun this weekend.
1. The big movies opening this week are "Sinister 2," an R sequel in this horror franchise; "American Ultra," an R comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart; and "Hitman: Agent 47," an R thriller starring Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto and Ciarán Hinds.
2. Hey, hey, Poet's Day is Friday! You don't have to be back in school to appreciate poetry or have fun with it. Write a poem or two - don't worry if it's bad - have a haiku contest, read some poetry or do some research on a poet for the upcoming school year. It is time well spent!
3. Monday marks a dark day for many - it's Pluto Demoted Day. If you're a fan of the ex-planet, take the weekend to learn more about it, or try to educate others on Pluto and space. NASA recently released the first real photos of the dwarf planet, so there's some new, cool stuff out there.
4. Most schools are about to kick off the new year, so take this weekend to celebrate the end of summer. Go swimming, go on a picnic, get some ice cream - just do something summery and say goodbye to another great season in the sun.
5. In sports, this weekend we have the Little League Baseball World Series, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, Major League Soccer and preseason football. That's right - it's football season again! Check the newspaper for schedules.
The Evening Tribune ~ 32 Broadway, Hornell, NY 14843 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy


text:
filed April 8, 2014 under Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33
Made: March 26, 2014
Published on e-Laws: April 9, 2014
Printed in The Ontario Gazette: April 26, 2014
1. Regulation 950 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 is amended by adding the following schedules:
SCHEDULE 82.2
Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013
Sell tanning services to a person who is less than 18 years old
subsection 2 (1)
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who is less than 18 years old
Offer to sell tanning services to a person who is less than 18 years old
Offer to sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who is less than 18 years old
Provide tanning services to a person who is less than 18 years old
Provide ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who is less than 18 years old
Sell tanning services to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Offer to sell tanning services to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Offer to sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Provide tanning services to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Provide ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old
Permit tanning services to be provided without the presence of an attendant
Permit ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to be provided without the presence of an attendant
Direct advertisements for tanning services to persons who are less than 18 years old
Direct advertisements for ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to persons who are less than 18 years old
Direct marketing for tanning services to persons who are less than 18 years old
Direct marketing for ultraviolet light treatments for tanning to persons who are less than 18 years old
Sell tanning services in a place without signs stating the prohibition on selling the services to persons less than 18 years old
clause 5 (a)
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning in a place without signs stating the prohibition on selling the treatments to persons less than 18 years old
Sell tanning services in a place without signs respecting health effects of the services or treatment
clause 5 (b)
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning in a place without signs respecting health effects of the services or treatment
Sell tanning services in a place without signs including everything required under section 5 of Ontario Regulation 99/14
clause 5 (c)
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning in a place without signs including everything required under section 5 of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell tanning services without providing protective eyewear that meets the standard in clause 6 (2) (a) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that meets the standard in clause 6 (2) (a) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell tanning services without providing protective eyewear that is capable of securely covering the individual's eyes as required by clause 6 (2) (b) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that is capable of securely covering the individual's eyes as required by clause 6 (2) (b) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell tanning services without providing protective eyewear that is properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with clause 6 (2) (c) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that is properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with clause 6 (2) (c) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide tanning services without providing protective eyewear that meets the standard in clause 6 (2) (a) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that meets the standard in clause 6 (2) (a) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide tanning services without providing protective eyewear that is capable of securely covering the individual's eyes as required by clause 6 (2) (b) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that is capable of securely covering the individual's eyes as required by clause 6 (2) (b) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide tanning services without providing protective eyewear that is properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with clause 6 (2) (c) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Provide ultraviolet light treatments for tanning without providing protective eyewear that is properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with clause 6 (2) (c) of Ontario Regulation 99/14
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of the name of the establishment in which tanning services are sold before selling the services
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of the business address of the establishment in which tanning services are sold before selling the services
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of the business telephone number of establishment in which tanning services are sold before selling the services
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of name of establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold before selling the treatments
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business address of establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold before selling the treatments
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business telephone number of the establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold before selling the treatments
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of name of establishment in which tanning services are sold within 60 days of section 7 of Act coming into force
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business address of establishment in which tanning services are sold within 60 days of section 7 of the Act coming into force
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business telephone number of establishment in which tanning services are sold within 60 days of section 7 of Act coming into force
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of name of establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold within 60 days of section 7 of Act coming into force
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business address of establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold within 60 days of section 7 of Act coming into force
Fail to provide the medical officer of health with notice of business telephone number of establishment in which ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold within 60 days of section 7 of Act coming into force
Fail to produce a record or other thing for inspection by an inspector
Fail to provide assistance interpreting a record provided for inspection by an inspector
Fail to produce record for inspection by an inspector in a readable form
Hinder an inspector conducting an inspection
subsection 8 (12)
Obstruct an inspector conducting an inspection
Interfere with an inspector conducting an inspection
Refuse to answer questions on matters relevant to an inspection
Provide inspector with information on matters relevant to an inspection known to be false
Provide inspector with information on matters relevant to an inspection known to be misleading
Director of corporation that sells tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Director of corporation that offers to sell tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Director of corporation that provides tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Director of corporation that sells ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Director of corporation that offers to sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Director of corporation that provides ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that sells tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that offers to sell tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that provides tanning services — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that sells ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that offers to sell ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Officer of corporation that provides ultraviolet light treatments for tanning — fail to take all reasonable care to prevent corporation from contravening the Act
Ontario Regulation 99/14 under the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013
Person in control of tanning services establishment — permit contravention of section 3 of Act
Person in control of ultra violet light treatments for tanning establishment — permit contravention of section 3 of Act
Person - fail to advise individual as to the purpose of protective eyewear when protective eyewear is provided
clause 6 (3) (a)
Person- fail to instruct individual as to the proper use of protective eyewear when protective eyewear is provided
clause 6 (3) (b)
Person - fail to instruct individual who provides own protective eyewear on proper use of eyewear before providing tanning services
Person - fail to instruct individual who provides own protective eyewear on proper use of eyewear before providing ultraviolet light treatments for tanning
2. This Regulation comes into force on the later of the day section 10 of the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013 comes into force and the day it is filed.


In town visiting. Stopped at Hastings Park to walk my dogs. No events were going on so parking was abundant. Beautiful park with duck ponds and a nice big circular path around the outside perimeter to walk the dogs on leash. Also, there is access to the nearby New Brighton Park if you want to go down to the waterfront.


Remember in Best in Show, when Parker Posey is totally freaking out? Wasn't that hilarious? We were so smug then, in our pre-dog days.
"These people are so weird," we said. And we knew we were better. Of course, now that I am the proud alpha dog of our household with two yapping, excitable little dogs ... well ... we're worse, much, much worse.
I remember the day we picked up Stevie as a puppy--all one-plus pounds of her.
A blonde curly ball of... I saw myself walking the little fur ball around the neighborhood, sheepishly hoping not to be recognized as my somewhat precarious manhood is ruined by the image of 250 pounds of bluster being dragged down the street by seven pounds of Stevie. A peek-a-poo no less. So cute it hurts.
So I said to my wife, "Honey," while holding Stevie in one hand, "I ... she's nice and all but... I think I'm going to need a bigger dog, too. You know... bigger."
She looked at me as only women, or your wife, can do, with that "You are such a big dumb brute, Bob, how can you not be totally in love with this lovable little... etc., etc."
Problem was, though, neither of us realized it at that moment, or at least I didn't, but I was, well, a goner. Done. Toast. Hopeless and out of control. I was in love.
Stevie was not really a true peek-a-poo (a Pekinese-poodle cross). One parent was a tera-poo (that's a terrier-poodle cross), and one was a peek-a-poo, making Stevie--a what? A tera-peek-a-poo? Well, a very fine mutt, indeed, let me tell you, pulling the pictures from my wallet to prove it.
For those first few days, I held her. Day. And night. She snuggled and sniffed and licked and stayed on my chest and shoulder. We, well, we bonded. I mean she's blonde, she's cute, she loves me unconditionally and Marie says it's OK. Isn't love grand?
Stevie has traveled with us everywhere. Santa Monica, Fifth Avenue, Maine, dinners. They (there are now two dogs and two cats) have better health care than almost the entire planet, and I still question who's in charge. After all, they get to sleep all day while we what? Work! To support them.
Now there's two. Puddy (think Yorkshire pudding) came into our life a year later. A small Yorkshire terrier, incredibly smart, impossible to house train, barks at the drop of a hat and loves me madly. All because Marie got stuck at a shopping center during a storm and wandered into... well, you know, a pet store.
So here I am, the proud papa of two incredibly cute, yapping little dogs. They have totally changed my life. Up early to walk and feed them, and since I work at home they hang out with me in the office, though sometimes at the most inopportune moments they hear a pin drop somewhere else and go tearing off at high decibel only to find it was... nothing. Meanwhile, just as I am trying to close a major lighting project for a client on the phone... "Yap YAP YAP YAP!" Ah well, it adds to my well known eccentric personality.
But have no fear! Not being one to take such a setback lying down, I decided to do what any good American would do: Start a club, a Web site, T-shirts, bumper stickers, conventions, blogs, recipes, tip sheets, all about--Big Men & Little Dogs.
And of course there's our motto (every club needs a good motto, remember): It takes a Big Man to love a Little Dog.
God bless, and off to PetSmart.


text:
"VooDoo"-Problems solved or still Problematic?
Considering all the problems that plagued this ride when it was installed then later on when Cedar Fair operated the park will it offer the same or any new problems at it's new home or have the kinks been finally worked out by Intamin AG? I have a funny suspicion that this ride will still have major issues like it did in the past. Hopefully I am TOTALLY wrong and hope that it performs 100%!
I wil have the ride 100%. Maybe not the brake-hold thing, but it will work.
I just find it interesting that in the propaganda for the ride, Dorney says it "will possess you as it sends riders rocketing from one spiral tower to another at speeds up to 70mph". I'm sure it is just a poor description on their part, but to me it reads "from one spiral tower to another spiral tower." At least that would be proper English. But, I guess we all know how well that gets used these days.
Anyways, I first thought they may remove the back spike and put in a spiral one. I highly doubt it, but that's what the description from Dorney made me think of.
edit: Oh yeah, the graphic made me think of two spiral towers too. If you look closely, it looks like two spirals. *** Edited 9/26/2007 9:15:28 PM UTC by halltd***
I agree with you in regards to Dorney's description of the ride. It makes the reader think/assume that it will have two spiral towers. Who knows maybe Cedar Fair has asked Intamin to supply the ride with a second spiral?!
Maybe the heartline from Maverick will fit on the back spike? :)
LOL................right!
^^ROFL
It wouldn't be the first Intamin Inverted Twisted Impulse coaster that got modified.
V2: Diagonal Velocity... I mean Vertical Velocity. :)
*** Edited 9/26/2007 9:25:50 PM UTC by Jason Hammond***
The only reason I can fathom for WT having two twisted towers was the proximity of the SF ride down in Aurora. The nearest Impulse to Dorney is...?
IMO....not even a CHANCE of the ride getting a new tower, the ride will go in at Dorney as constructed at Geauga (I remain hopeful the brake-hold will work). I could be wrong, though, on either account. ;)
When it opened in 2000 even though it seemed like a one-trick pony I loved it. I remember my second visit in 2000 when we got on and the train launched there was this horrible sound and they closed the ride for the remainder of the day. I was sooooooooo scared going up the spiral and doing the rest of the ride's cycle that everytime I got on it afterwards I would still vividly remember that day and I could not enjoy the ride like I did during my first time when the park opend as Six Flags Ohio.
I can see them replace the straight spike with a twist spike in order to cut down on the amount of power the ride will need to run it. I bet majority of the power used to operate it at Geauga Lake was all in the hold brake on the straight spike.
I'm not sure how I didn't know about Diagonal Velocity. That's hysterical. Talk about a weird looking ride.
What were the problems with the hold brake on Steel Venom? It didn't have anything to do with the "incident" did it? If it was such a problematic part of the ride, I don't see how replacing it with twisted track and no brake is such a far fetched idea.
Besides, we all know how easy it is for Intamin to come up with three or four sections of track. :)
^The real funny and kinda cool thing about V2 is that while still gaining speed, you go through parts of the twisted spike (which is at an angle of course) at very slow speeds. Kinda like a Jo Jo Roll.
I laughed my butt off on the Maverick comment, just wanted to throw that out there.
"We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us."
-Joseph Campbell
I hope the metallic fin doesn't shatter again... and hopefully not with people this time! wait?! who said that?! *** Edited 9/27/2007 4:31:41 AM UTC by Senator555***
To answer the power question, the whole ride takes a lot of power. That is why DP needed to add another powerline into the park for the ride. Any LSM or LIM systems comsumes a lot of power and produce a large amount of heat as well ( you can see the cooling fans above the station and launch track). The hold break will consume additional power. *** Edited 9/27/2007 4:41:06 AM UTC by otterkpr***
X Factor said:
Or they could just remove the LIM staters on the back spike and leave it as it is.
Leofoo Village's Screaming Condor has a backspike without a holding brake.
They could always replace the LIM holding brake with a physical brake.
^ I don't think a traditional friction brake clamp would be able to hold more than 2 tons of weight like that...even if it could...where would the brake fin go? You can't have a friction brake fin and electromagnetic fins mounted on the trains at the same time...
I've been on Steel Venom, Wicked Twister, GA's V2, and SFDK's V2, and my favorite impulse coasters are the ones without the holding brake. You can't beat the floater air on the back spike, so it wouldn't bug me if Dorney decided to ditch that feature for better uptime numbers.
2400+ Theme Park Photos & More
http://www.sm2designs.com
I would have to agree. I LOVE impulse coasters in general, but I can't stand the holding brake on the back spike. Out out dammed brake!
Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line. www.TiggerMan.com


When the Founding Fathers created our nation they envisioned freedom for American citizens. Thanks in large part to our troops their vision of a free America has stood the test of time. It's endured through the years, allowing the individual liberties Americans are blessed with.
Your hard work has allowed me to inherit a great nation. I see you as role models for selfless acts, bravery and honor. Thank you.


text:
Boundless for newcomers is endlessly frustrating
KaKistoZ May 2, 2017, 3:19am #6
Dzchan94:
Boundless doesn't use the same system as many other sandbox, where you'll find things exactly the same everywhere. You'll have to look at the biome and specific heigh. Also the resources have just been recently distributed, thus why it's been a new process for all of us.
Oh wow, okay I didn't know that! Like I said, I've only just explored a small area because I instinctively focused on setting up base and starting mining as much as I could possibly bear. But either way, these things really should've been informed ingame at some point instead of me needing to rely on a forum to find that out.
Okay, so that's definitely cool! I like that materials are exclusive to a biome, and that they are found on specific, different heights. Neat! I guess I'll have some exploring to do next session. Speaking of which: I'm looking for those Ancient Tech thingies, and I started off near a desert. I read rumors of there being a higher chance of finding some near desert mountains. Is that info viable?
As for the blocks variety and caves, I actually find the variety a lot more attractive than other games. Minecraft has had so few blocks and still worked for ages.
My bad. I just drew to the conclusion that after exploring the first interlocked cave, that every cave would be the same from here on out. Now knowing that materials are exclusive to their respective biomes, I am a bit more positive towards it.
I'm sad that the things I found charming, don't really appeal to you.
Please do elaborate further upon what exactly you find charming that I didn't, because I hope you don't find it charming that it takes equally too much time to mine anything at all? I would've enjoyed mining more if the different blocks were realistically balanced as well as logically befitting a game so that it doesn't take too much time to merely grab a couple of stone blocks…
some of the thoughts and changes you've been thinking about. Are already implemented in the test version.
The what now? Test version? Is that something that's openly obtainable for anyone, or is it only for those that have paid for a more expensive game-package…?
Xanotos May 2, 2017, 3:25am #7
biomes, specifically refer to the area on top of it, and it's not biome-specific, it is more of biome-PREFERENCE, meaning things are more likely to spawn under their preferred biome, and then the secondary, but they ALSO can spawn elsewhere.
and all BLOCKS spawn in the same locations, and regenerate to the same shape and spot, but resources spawn differently
LordTiger:
It is a huge mistake to expect things to look or work like they do in minecraft, eventhough a lot of us MC vets would like to see some of the traits and perks of MC, I think it is highly unfair to expect anything close to a similar experience, maybe the time it takes to mine different types of blocks will get rebalanced later in the development of the game, but still… It is NOT minecraft, it is a different game.
I don't expect things to work like they do in Minecraft, nor do I want them to. If I wanted it to be identical to Minecraft I would've just stuck with Minecraft and used mods and tweaks to enhance my experience. But I've been there and done that ages ago. I've long since grown tired of Minecraft, but still I want a voxelbased sandbox MMORPG in it's stead, and I expect that new game to be able to bring ingenuity to the evergrowing genre. And Boundless most definitely has that, just that I think that it's a long way from "almost there" yet.
the minecraft wiki took YEARS to develop by experienced players pitching into it, and still with the constant updates to the game there were a lot of things that it did not explain about the game.
Fair enough, but still, even in the early stages of both MC and it's official Wiki, it would still help me figure out what I was trying to to. Also, know that I know to check boundlesscrafting.com as an alternative, I might just withdraw my previous statement about the current Wiki-state.
I still think boundless is the best game ever !!!
Maybe I'll think so too after some finetuning has been done to it.
Cookviper May 2, 2017, 3:53am #9
Just know this…if you can hang in there through the tutorialess beginnings and frustratingly scarce iron searches I gareuntee you will fall in love with this game. Just please be patient and trust in the community to help you through it. There are so many awesome players who are more then happy to help newcomers get on their feet. I've seen it many times.
Dzchan94 May 2, 2017, 3:53am #10
Things are being worked out on the tutorial side of things. Devs are planing on having the necessary resources on starter planets to have information available to them, no specifics as to which resources. But my guess is the things required to get off planet. As Xanotos mentioned, materials have preferred biomes, but can spawn anywhere really, just that you'll have a higher chance to get them in the designed biomes. Resources Locations this thread should prove pretty useful.
Caves are similar, but indeed they offer a nice variety. We have caves of mostly sedimentary, then there's a variation between the three types of stones and gravel, sand on other stuff here and there. With higher ceilings, and variation to the ground.
I like the slower approach at the start compared to other sandbox games, to take time to sink in things and comprehend. I believe having a more RPG feel, greatly benefits, instead of going for a sandbox classic start, where you're left wandering. True enough there's aspects of the game that need improvement, but I wouldn't call it bad, just that they could be further improved upon.
Leaves, dirt and sand, are balanced in the test version, with requiring less hits. I like as said before, the slower pace. When balance comes later on, really balance should be done before 1.0, after the progression system is worked out. The only balancing we might need right now is augmented resources, and having different settings for resource distribution on starter planets, not to keep it different, but to try different settings and discover what works best. Once that's sorted, every starter planet, should hold the same distribution.
I feel like mining with both hands, probably should be a skill, as it requires dexterity IRL. I like having one hand at a time do an action.
I love the tools selection. And I love the slingbow, additional note, there's also gonna be a lance. I love the blocks.
The test version is open to all of us, it currently has the last two updates, very big ones. That are to be tested and given feedback, so it can be worked on, and then moved into the live version.
To access it, do the following:
From your Steam Library, right-click on Boundless and select Properties
Click the BETAS tab, then select "testing - unstable new feature development" from the drop down
Close that window, wait for the game to update… load and play as usual!
just remember to change back to "NONE - Opt out of all beta programs" when you want to go back to the live servers
Pseudonym84 May 2, 2017, 7:35am #11
Welcome to Boundless, @KaKistoZ!
It's true that without tutorials this game can feel a little daunting at first, but thankfully Boundless has an incredibly helpful community - so if you're ever unsure of anything, just ask here or on the community Discord and someone will help out.
Tutorials are just around the corner, and as mentioned above are already implemented on the testing branch.
In the meanwhile there's Boundless Crafting, @Jiivita's YouTube tutorials or a host of other YouTubers you can watch as they experience and tackle the first steps of Boundless;
@Steggs101 was a blundering mess at first, but now he's settled and even sporting something even veteran players don't have! His videos can be found here.
@Scratchnwiff is also a new player, and a great YouTuber. I believe he's working with @Jeffrotheswell, @EnisledLady and @Xanotos on the Elop Portas aqueducts. Here's his stuff.
@DanBeforeTime does a mixture of building and exploring/gathering videos. If you're looking to build a tree-house, his videos might be inspiring!
I've not seen a whole lot of these others, but there's also @TheCurmudgeon; found here, and @ApoNono; here.
I hope some of that helps!
Scratchnwiff May 2, 2017, 8:39am #12
Thanks @Pseudonym84 for the shout-out and @KaKistoZ, I do agree the lack of tutorials beyond the beginning part is a bit frustrating, I even questioned the pick/shovel thing myself, but the potential of this game is great, as I've said before. Now I don't mean empty potential like"oh this game would be sooo good if…" And nothing ever really transpires after that. The devs are implementing things bit by bit (rather large bits IMHO) on the previously mentioned testing servers. And no, they are open to all who have the game with the above instructions I just recently tried it myself and aside from more tutorials and entry level player friendly mechanics which I know the devs have been working on, there's a lot that changes the feel of the game, like blocks with different durability, specific tools for specific blocks, and a whole skill system with branching skill trees so u can gear your character towards specific professions. There are also graphical enhancements but I haven't seen them all.
Like @Pseudonym84 said I'm also a new player. I haven't progressed further than iron tools and only just built a refinery after all this time. Yet I have already had so many cool experiences through exploring, building and meeting people and collaborating with them with my meager skills.
I think the game can be broken down to "what do you want get from it" . At this pre alpha point in time, it throws you into a populated universe and lets you choose your path right off the bat. Explore different worlds and biomes for different resources, advance your technology, build a home or a town or a city or a shop, or join a new or established city and help shape it. It may not be fully polished yet, but as you said, it's early access.
Although it's unfinished, I believe there is something to be said abt discovery in this game. The wiki may not be all encompassing, but @Stretchious's crafting compendium mentioned by @Pseudonym84 is amazing and in game you can kind of test finding out new recipes by placing different materials in different machines etc if u prefer to do it yourself
The community, as I'm sure you can tell, is very helpful and friendly and I dare say rivals any gaming communities today. So I think it's great you chime in with your thoughts here. Really hope you find what you're looking for as the game develops and hope to see you in game sometime.
Karokendo May 2, 2017, 10:24am #13
dude, why do you even complain?
pre alpha is pre alpha.
We shall thank developers that they allowed us to play their game.
Spoygg May 2, 2017, 11:18am #14
As I said in your first thread about should you get into Boundless, update 161 is kinda sorting out most of the stuff that you mentioned. I'm not sure yet in what amount since I don't play testing version.
One point on which I do agree, and it might be specific for my style of building, is that mining takes crazy amount of time. That is very penalizing for me since I build by exploring concepts, more like sculpting than having clear plan from the start. So, taking blocks off when I realize I don't need them takes too much time, I forget what I wanted to do until I remove all the blocks I want. I hope that will be resolved with skills and that mining speed will become a bit faster (4x faster would be nice, that would make iron tools speedy as minecraft stone tools).
Anyway, I feel your pain, I have started making my builds in minecraft creative and than re-doing them in Boundless when I get the things right. As it is now Boundless feels very very very grindy to me. I hope that will change until 1.0 (btw I have almost 90 hours in Boundless, so I had time to consider how it works).
@Karokendo I don't think that is nice way to go about discussion
knightsb May 2, 2017, 12:22pm #15
Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth and hopefully maybe cheer you up that you are not alone. About 2 to 3 weeks ago, I was in the same shoes as you, but maybe not that serious. I had some serious problems locating enough Iron, Tech Fragments, and Tech Component.Until I found out from this forum that Vena V has all of 3 Tech Components on the entire planet and I need 2 of them to make a Spark Core. Imagine my frustrations then. But, this was also the place that I found out that Solum was the place to go to get all those components becoz there is like 1000% more Tech Components there and about 3x more Iron. So, off I go to find a cave to explore. After a few hours I found all I needed. Truly, I really understand where you are coming from. It sounds like you needed an outlet to vent your frustrations, and also a little lost as to what to do.
My personal experience with the game in live at the moment is that sometimes you really have to forget about the quests and go about doing what you had hoped to come to this game to do. I'd guess one of those things would be to build; so go build, if you cannot have the blocks that you want for the look, maybe try an alternative. The alternative is to leave the planet you are on through someone's gateway and go off world to looks for it. Unlike most MMO, you are not prevented for taking care of yourself on a harder planet just because you are low leveled. At level 0, you can still take on a Spitter in Alturnik or Vulpto with a stone slingshot or even your standard totem, it may just take a little longer. In other MMOs, not a prayer.
In any case, I hope that you are not playing alone, or built your base in somewhere lonesome. Its more fun to have real neighbours around and find some people to build with, or come out with your own projects. You are welcome to take Jeff's gate to Andoween and come help me start a new town there. If you need another beacon but can't craft any, I'll see what I can do about that. In all, just remember that this is not a game that locks you out of content if you are under leveled. You just need the right tools to get there and once you get past that mental block you will play more freely. May you find the wisdom and energy to come back after your rest.
Kawwak May 2, 2017, 1:23pm #16
I found this game easier before the latest resource distribution update. Which one I think is just… odd. So if you not start the game at Solum (US East) now, you will have a hard time if you play on your own. Its not too good for new players on other starting planets, but they are testing things so early access conditions still apply. Anyway try to meet other players and ask for help, most of us are very helpful, and one of the greatest things about this game is the outstanding community (including the devs).
BoaConstrictor May 2, 2017, 4:26pm #17
Personally, I wouldn't call @KaKistoZ approach here complaining, rather a respectful, frank and thought out presentation of their experience as a new player. This should be very valuable information to the devs and help to make this game better for all. From what I've seen so far in my two months or so as an active member of this forum, not many new players take the time to give this much honest feedback. I know some of us are very passionate about Boundless, and knee-jerk react into defending the game, but lets try not to be too hard on new folks. It can be confusing for a new player, as well as frustrating finding the needed materials to progress, particularly after the resource distribution change. I too found the game very confusing at first and it took months of coming back to it now and then, with updates, before things actually clicked for me and I fell in love. I'm confident @KaKistoZ will get there and fall in love too. =)
Overall, this thread is a great example of a helpful and informative community! Welcome @KaKistoZ! As some have mentioned, boundlesscrafting.com is the place to go for crafting information, as well as an excellent resource for finding out where "that stuff" you need may be located, at least to point you in the right direction. For details, the forum and discord are invaluable at this point as the tutorial is still quite lacking in the live version, as is the wiki IMO.
Big changes are on the horizon though! Changes that I think will push this game to the next level and make it a much less daunting experience for a new player while adding awesome progression, and much more for more experienced players. As for the timeline Boundless took to get to this point, I don't think any of us are really well enough informed to make a fair judgement. By that I mean we don't see the day to day challenges an indie team like this faces. Making a game is a big deal! As I understand, the game went through a total rewrite over most of last year from one programming language to another, which in itself it a monumental task. It is only recently the devs have really had the opportunity to start shaping this game into their vision, along with guidance from their community. Stick with it @KaKistoZ, you will not be disappointed!
Forget to draw @james attention here as I think this is worthy information.
OctavioNG May 2, 2017, 5:29pm #18
Even tho I been playing boundless for a while now I do agree on the new tutorial being a little too time consuming and confusing, I dont usually know how express myself in terms game feedback but I agree with @KaKistoZ in so many stuff he said I feel the need to say so. I spent so much time just opening every single Objective just to see what it was about and wasted another bunch of time accidentally doing stuff without having the "chop trees with wooden axe" objective, I felt lost. For the moment I ve gone back to the non testing server but Im hoping this guys gets heard. Cheers!
Still love the game
Ok guys I was wrong, the problem is not (mainly) with the distribution, just with the 'what-you-want-to-leave-a-planet' things recipes and with the tutorial, but both will be polished until 1.0!
KaKistoZ May 5, 2017, 6:42pm #20
Kawwak:
the problem is not (mainly) with the distribution, just with the 'what-you-want-to-leave-a-planet' things recipes and with the tutorial
Err… Care to elaborate on that sentence? I'm sorry to say, but even after giving it my greatest effort over several tries; I still don't understand that sentence lol
boundmore May 5, 2017, 6:54pm #21
KaKistoZ:
'what-you-want-to-leave-a-planet'
I think that was meant to be what-you-need-to-leave-a-planet.
Yep sorry my english is bad so the problem is with the 'warp location picker upgrade' (warp shard) recipe and requirements
brook-monroe July 30, 2017, 2:02pm #23
"All the way from the gecko?"
I think it's "get-go." Although gecko is nice, too.
Boundless... from (as the saying doesn't rly go) THE GECKO
AzureHelios July 30, 2017, 7:44pm #24
Geckos are cool dudes, I'd hang with them anytime.
The only problem with them is that they like to get into tight mechanical spaces that are inimical to their continued survival, such as door jambs. Compounding the problem is that they are basically tiny (often semi-transparent) camouflaged ninja spidermen lizards that are hard to notice, so things can easily get unpleasant and messy by accident, especially since they seem to have not gotten spiderman's spider-sense for danger.
Yeah, we've had a gecko population explosion at our house ever since I captured one coral snake and took it to the herpetarium, and killed the other one. My wife wears open-toed shoes and she drew the line at getting out of her car directly onto a coral snake. The downside is that since coral snakes eat geckos, we got geckos. Want a gecko? We got 'em. Our black runner snakes have come back, though (corals eat those, too), so perhaps they'll take care of the gecko overflow.
On the other hand, geckos eat mosquitoes, and we have a lot of those, too.
Florida during the summertime. Don't come down here–it's not worth it.