Topics

31

Off Topic / American Airlines flight diverted, hacker group Lizard Squad responsible.

« on: August 24, 2014, 02:45:18 PM »

The flight was carrying president of Sony Online Entertainment John Smedley, who confirmed that the flight had been diverted following departure from Dallas-Fort Worth.

Halfway into the flight, American received a bomb threat from Lizard Squad regarding flight 362 en route to San Diego via Dallas. 362 was diverted to Phoenix and cleared before passengers were deplaned.


Lizard Squad is basically a hacker group that's been targeting data centers for Valve, Riot Games, and Blizzard causing issues for League of Legends, CSGO, and Starcraft's servers. They also took down PSN early this morning.

Just another group of starfishs ruining everything for everyone else because it's apparently funny to them.

32

Off Topic / I'm streaming Fallout: New Vegas [ONLINE]

« on: August 08, 2014, 01:06:23 PM »

Just testing out Hitbox.tv. Come watch me run around the Mojave, gamble, and listen to music.

I may also stream some other stuff later on down the line. Take a poll, stuff like that.

33

Off Topic / [MEGATHREAD] Rollercoasters and Theme Parks

« on: August 06, 2014, 08:07:20 PM »

"Everybody likes a good roller coaster ride." - Pete Waterman

A (Short and Brief) Explanation on the Mechanics of Rollercoasters

Don't worry. I'm not here to bore you. According to Wikipedia, rollercoasters are "a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks." Dependent on physics, many coasters begin with a large lift hill which allows for the build up of potential energy in the ride vehicle prior to descent. The potential energy in the vehicle is then transformed into kinetic energy as it passes the apex of the hill, providing it with momentum. However, some coasters rely on the use of a launch system or auxiliary motor to propel them down the track in lieu of a conventional lift hill and chain/conveyor.

A good coaster requires a large amount of momentum to propel the ride vehicle around the track. Some coasters take advantage of low momentum to create a ride experience in which the car intentionally 'valleys,' or rolls back. So-called "hypercoasters," like Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, are subjected to frequent unintentional rollbacks due to their height.


Roller-coaster Elements

As rollercoasters have evolved from the relatively primitive design of early steel coasters such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, many new ride elements have been designed to increase thrill factor. Many of them involve some kind of inversion. They are listed below. All entries are from Wikipedia because I'm lazy. These are just a few of the most common ones; others can be found here.

Cobra Roll/Batwing

Montu, Busch Gardens Tampa

The cobra roll is a roller coaster inversion which resembles a cobra's head. Riders traverse forward through an upwards half-vertical loop, corkscrew perpendicular to the first direction, enter another corkscrew that merges into a downward half-vertical loop that exits in the parallel but opposite direction of the entrance. It takes riders upside-down twice. This is the inverse of a batwing.

Butterfly

Ninja, Six Flags Over Georgia

A butterfly inversion is sometimes found on Vekoma roller coasters. A butterfly begins like a normal loop, but as the track goes up it twists 45 degrees to one side or the other, and then when it is headed down the track twists back. The maneuver is then repeated but in reverse.

Corkscrew

The aptly named Corkscrew, Cedar Point

A corkscrew resembles a loop whose entrance and exit points are separated. The main difference from a loop is that riders are inverted at a point angled 90° horizontally from the incoming track, whereas in a loop, the inversion comes parallel to the track but traveling in the opposite direction.

Heartline roll

Maverick, Cedar Point

A heartline roll is a roller coaster inversion in which the rider performs a 360-degree roll. The center of the train rotates on one axis. The track changes in elevation to keep the train moving in the same line in which it entered the element. In an inline twist, a similar element, the track remains straight at the same elevation. The point of rotation is either above or below the rider's point of view, unlike a heartline roll which keeps the point of rotation near the middle.

Immelman loop

GateKeeper, Cedar Point

An Immelmann is a popular inversion found on many roller coasters. In an Immelmann, riders enter a half loop and then go through a half twist and curve out in the opposite direction in which they came. The inversion is very similar to the sidewinder. A sidewinder consists of a half loop and a half corkscrew and comes out closer to 90°, while the Immelman comes out in more of a straight line back to where it started.

Loop


You know what the forget this is I'm not explaining.

Top hat

Full Throttle, Six Flags Magic Mountain

A top hat (also known as top cap) is an element common to launched coasters. A standard top hat consists of what is essentially a hill with a 90 degree ascent and descent; the train exits going in the same direction from which it entered. The track twists and the train does not go upside down. Some top hats do not include a twist, such as the one above.


Other Rides
Written and curated by Theportalmaster

Theme Parks have loads of cool rides other than roller-coasters, most of which are designed for literally making you feel sick so you'll buy more overpriced bottled water in the park. Either way, these rides tend to have more quirks and original features than your standard coaster.

Teacups

Spinning Spider, Legoland Windsor

If you enjoy spinning for hours on end, you'll be glad no one queues up for these rides. Generally, the rider sits in a teacup on top of a circular floor, which is attached to an even larger circular floor, in which both spin 360 degrees. Some teacups include a small circular wheel to spin even faster if you are insane enough to want for some reason.

Drop Towers

Tower Of Terror, Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort

These rides are fairly simple and involve dropping the harnessed riders from varying heights on a tower, and can go either up or down. Some may include other parts to the ride than the free falling, with a notable example shown above.

Water Rides

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Islands of Adventure in Universal Studios Resort

Water rides involves the vehicle being propelled by the flow of the water, although they are usually assisted by a pulley or other mechanics around turns and whilst going uphill. Generally when people think of water rides they think of Log Flumes, although there are other types of water rides

Dark Rides

Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Practically almost every ride in Disney World. These rides are generally slow-moving rides such as ghost trains which incorporate story telling, although a lot of Dark Rides include fast-moving sections. Dark Rides don't actually have to be dark though almost always include indoor elements.

Motion Simulators

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Universal Studios Florida in Ditto

The quick-time events of Themeparks. These rides make the riders feel the effects of a moving vehicle whilst a video is displayed on screen, usually used for story telling, and sometimes even use "4D" effects. Generally these rides don't move, although some rides incorporate these elements into them.


Users' Favorite Rides

Post your favorite roller coaster, and I'll display it here in the OP!

Myself: Dragon Challenge (Chinese Fireball), Universal Studios Florida
MackTheHunter: Thunder Run, Canada's Wonderland
blockguy: Woodstock Express, Kings Island
ZombieDude: Intimidator 305, Kings Dominion
Brickmaster: Millenium Force, Cedar Point
Cynic: Millenium Force, Cedar Point
auzman466: Afterburn; Intimidator; Nighthawk, Carowinds
Ravencroft: Excalibur, Funtown Splashtown U.S.A.
Sideswipe: Revenge of the Mummy; Transformers: The Ride, Universal Studios Hollywood || LEGO Technic Test Track, LEGOLAND California
BluetoothBoy: Diamondback, Kings Island
TomTheGeek: American Eagle, Six Flags Great America
Deoxys And One Noob: Steel Eel, SeaWorld San Antonio
Couatl: California Screamin', Disney's California Adventure
*FacePalm*: Manta, SeaWorld San Diego
Skig: Mr. Freeze, Six Flags St. Louis
rigel wants to get off mr. bones' wild ride
Skateaton: ShieKra, Busch Gardens Tampa
Theportalmaster: Space Mountain, Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom || The Incredible Hulk, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure
Alyx Vance: The Voyage, Holiday World
hillkill: Maverick; GateKeeper; Magnum XL-200; Millennium Force; Mantis, Cedar Point
Blockaium: GhostRider, Knott's Berry Farm
Georges: Firehawk, Kings Island
Zanaran2: Fahrenheit, Hershey Park

Starting Out

It's not easy to get into riding coasters, no matter your rationale. A lot of them are honestly pretty extreme, and anyone would be a little afraid of one and that's entirely okay. Not every one has nerves of steel. If you want to start riding coasters though, and don't know where to start, here are some tips.

• Learn what to expect. Steel coasters are going to provide a smooth ride experience, but allow for more complex elements than older wooden coasters. If you're afraid of straight drops, look for tracks with a curved drop or a B&M pre-drop. Knowing height, ride time, and track length may also help calm your nerves.
• Start out small. Don't expect yourself to go onto a hypercoaster like Formula Rossa right away. Woodies are a good pick for beginners, as they are usually not inverted.
• If a ride makes you anxious in general, don't worry about it and just sit it out. Your heart may be saying to go, but your brain may be asking for a break; listen to the latter.

        On the Ride:

• Make sure you're comfortable, and that the harness is snug but not too tight. Sit back in the seat, and whatever you do: DON'T LEAN FORWARD. If you feel the harness is too tight, uncomfortable, or you're unsure of its safety, call one of the ride attendants over or signal to them. They'll usually stop the launch sequence and help you readjust your harness.
• If you grow anxious during the ride, try your best to keep your eyes open. Closing your eyes out of fear can lead to disorientation and nausea, which will certainly cause you to vomit. Focus on a stationary object, like the back of the seat in front of you.
• Scream! It's fun and it'll take your mind off of the ride.

Special thanks to Theportalmaster for his section on theme park rides.

34

Off Topic / A reminder to all of us about game developers.

« on: August 06, 2014, 10:07:36 AM »

Please don't be a richard if you don't like something. It takes a toll on their well-being.

Seriously. Game devs are people, too. They deserve to be treated like one, not like a piece of trash that is meant to cater to your whim. They're just doing their job.

35

Off Topic / Let's play Epic Mafia.

« on: August 05, 2014, 03:58:44 PM »

New lobby again. Password will always be the same.

https://epicmafia.com/game/3269252?password=1c8b7265a054496d15be731d48488508b802d4c4

36

Games / Blockfrag - A CS:GO tournament for Blocklanders. [RETHEMED, READ FOR MORE INFO]

« on: July 23, 2014, 12:37:11 PM »

Alright. So after a few teams backed out and were unable to play, we started looking for ideas to get this tournament to actually go on. Lil and I agreed that a smaller format may be better on smaller maps.




Matches will be 2v2.

Auto-snipers and LMGs are banned. Both teams will start with $10k.

The maps are Shorttrain, Bank, Lake, Safehouse, St. Marc, and Sugarcane; the map pick is decided by a coin toss, in which one team picks a map for heads and the other picks a map for tails. If you wish to play on an Active Duty map, then you may request it. Please take note both teams must agree.

Can't believe I have to say this, but no modification to your client, no aimbot, no wallhack, none of that bullstuff. I'm sure nobody here does that, but if you do, don't loving do it here.

The server will be 64 tick. First to 11 out of 20 rounds wins.


    

The tournament bracket will be made when we have all teams created and confirmed. Match-ups will be created at random.

Matches will be shoutcasted by yours truly with a second commentator on Twitch. If you do not plan on playing and would like to cast with me, feel free to message me on Steam. Name's on my profile.

We will attempt to have as many teams as possible.

Rank is capped at Distinguished Master Guardian/Badge/Starfish. Nobody above this rank. If you don't read this, then it's your own fault if we kick you out.


Signup form is as follows.

Team name:
Logo (optional):
Two players:

37

Forum Games / Derailed Redux - [ACT 1, CH. 1] As Above, So Below

« on: July 21, 2014, 02:39:26 AM »

Sorry for the double post, but this entire adventure is not about the train derailing. Go along with the story, and stop trying to make it go where it will eventually instead.

(btw it's not redq there's no o line)

A while ago, I started a forum adventure called Subway Stories centered around being stuck in a subway tunnel after a train derails.

I enjoyed writing it, but never finished it. So, as the great Ray Charles once sang, here we go again. This time, I've added ambient noise and music to the adventure while you read. If you'd like, click the station signs or links within the text.

It's already 8 AM and nobody's down on the platform. Guess they're still watching Good Morning America.

You hold your morning coffee in your hand, fiddling about with your phone in the other. Despite the already sweltering heat of summer apparent above ground, the tunnels provide a cool, albeit foul smelling, respite. As you shift your bag on your shoulder, another cool breeze floats through the tunnel and onto the platform.

You glance behind you at the map on the wall. 168th Street, formerly known as Washington Heights - 168th. A good portion of the map is in Spanish, a nod to the mostly Spanish and Hispanic population in the Heights. You give a friendly nod to a young woman who descends the stairs onto the platform. She returns the nod with a slight smile.

It's 2014, and you ponder why MTA hasn't bothered putting up LED schedule screens as you check your watch for the fifteenth time. Guess the conductor coming down from 181st is taking his sweet ass time. You have a bit of time to kill, so you put in your earbuds and turn on a little bit of Bombay Bicycle Club. The din of the station is suddenly exchanged with the guitar and bass laced capo of Always Like This as you take a sip of your coffee.

...

Several minutes pass and your music changes several times. Eventually growing tired of listening to music, you pull your earbuds back out and stuff them into your pocket. Another minute passes before the intercom blares to life.

"1 train approaching, service to South Ferry."

Finally. You shuffle your bag once more as the train enters the station, the screeching of the brakes deafening as it echoes off the vaulted ceiling. You're already at the doors as they hiss open, and in the car before anybody has even exited (not that they would).

The car is relatively empty, save for you, the girl from the platform, and an older man sitting at the back reading the Wall Street Journal. You take a seat and set your bag down next to you as you sip your coffee once more.

It's gonna be a long ride downtown. What now?

a. Check your bag.
b. Listen to more music.
c. Sleep.

38

Off Topic / Malaysian Airlines aircraft reportedly shot down over Ukraine.

« on: July 17, 2014, 11:11:14 AM »

Source.

stuff. Updates will come in when I can edit the thread.

UPDATE: Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) is a bit slow on the uptake on Twitter. I'll keep looking for more details.
UPDATE CONT: The Department of Defense is reporting that they are pursuing the plane being shot down as a likely option, but they are not sure that the plane even went down.

39

Off Topic / Sunday Flight - Tom and Rings changed the name. [OFFLINE]

« on: July 16, 2014, 06:27:11 PM »

click to go to stream

You know the drill. Tom and I are idiots blah blah blah.


Route: Tokyo to Dubai


It's about 10 hours in total.

Aircraft: Boeing 747

40

Off Topic / I'm streaming stuff with TomTheGeek. [OFFLINE]

« on: July 01, 2014, 12:33:38 AM »

Because why not?

MackTheHunter might be around sometime later. Games might include CS:GO, Assetto Corsa, and Bad Rats.

41

Off Topic / I'm gonna livestream Bad Rats - [OFFLINE]

« on: June 19, 2014, 03:37:23 PM »

BECAUSE forget IT

aka tomthegeek bought it for me and i actually wanna play it

42

Off Topic / Magic School Bus is back, bitches.

« on: June 11, 2014, 09:53:08 AM »

Netflix is bringing it back as an original series, using computer animation. All the nostalgia is flooding back.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/11/5799928/netflix-rebooting-magic-school-bus-in-2016

I feel stupid saying this, but I'm looking forward to what this entails.

43

Off Topic / Rings play Watch_Dogs - [OFFLINE]

« on: June 07, 2014, 07:12:56 PM »

I got Watch_Dogs yesterday after waiting 8 months to finally play it. I'm bored, so I'm gonna stream it while TomTheGeek talks in the background until he gets bored.

Here's the stream. I may not be able to read the chat, so if you feel like I'm ignoring you, I'm not.

JUNE 8: I'm streaming again!

44

Off Topic / Keo and Rings: The Climb to Starfish - [ONLINE]

« on: June 03, 2014, 09:58:20 PM »

We play CS:GO. We probably lose.

Come watch us play, and probably feed hard!

45

Off Topic / I have an ant problem.

« on: June 02, 2014, 04:06:42 PM »

For the past three months, I have been having an issue with a large number of ants.

They like to sit in my bathroom, presumably because of the humidity and the moisture, but hardly venture out of the boundaries of the tiling. We have an exterminator, but he always comes when we're not home and we've been neglecting to call him till today to see if we could handle the problem ourselves.

It started out kind of small. A few ants here and there would crawl around the bathroom, and I'd see maybe 5 at the most. Sometimes if they were in my shower, I would spray down the walls and floor with the shower head and go about my day. I can now no longer do that because they are in the loving shower head.

I almost never use the toilet at night because that's when they like to come out and crawl all over my loving toilet, especially the seat before falling into the water and drowning. I can't use my sink anymore because they like to crawl in the basin when the water is off. I can't even loving walk in my bathroom without ants raining down on me because they crawl all over my loving ceiling and make little colonies in the corners of the room where I can't see them.

These are all exaggerations, but you get my point.

Anyway, my parents and I decided to try and get rid of them on our own. We bought ant spray, walked into my bathroom, and took out the huge clump of ants in the upper corner of my bathroom, as well as a small group of them behind my toilet. This is when all the rest decided to go into my closet and seek refuge, all of which were dispatched of soon after. We mopped up, then saw a line of them coming out of the shower stall.

We open the door, and they are all over the floor. We turn on the water and drown them, then pull off the shower head to clean it out. Some water pours out for a moment, then IT'S JUST ANTS. THEY FLOOD OUT OF THE MOTHERloving WATER LINE AND ONTO THE WALLS.

We just sprayed ant spray everywhere, hoping to kill them as we decided I would not be using my bathroom, and that we would be calling the exterminator.

This morning, I woke up to find they were all dead, but that a new group had shown up in their place. Took the spray, killed them, and went to school. Came back, and they haven't come out again, but I anticipate that they will.

I'd post photos, but they're super loving nasty because they're just these black specks forming huge ass clouds of just jet black stuff.