Tragedy at Disney World: Monorail Crash
In what is said to be the first deadly incident since the monorails began operation, two monorails crashed leading to the unfortunate death of a disney cast-member.
After the July 4th fireworks at about 2AM EDT, a monorail rammed the back of a parked train at the Transportation and Ticket Center. There were two cast-members and five tourists on the trains at the time. The young man who lost his life was only 21 years old.
The monorail system is shutdown indefinitely.
News stores are here and here.
Just one more note. There is guest video that has been posted online of the scene right after the incident. I can think of nothing more heartless and dispicable that a person could do than post this video. It is not graphic, but it is the poorest of taste – flat out tacky, unfeeling, and self centered.
Airbus – Air France 447 – Did Fly By Wire Contribute to Crash?
The internet is just chock-full of speculation about the cause of the Air France 447 crash. The pitot tubes, computer systems, and general design of the Airbus have all been the focus of theorists as root causes.
Information Week published an article that focused on the computer systems and the difference in safety philosphy between Airbus and Boeing. This blog has also briefly commented on the Airbus philosphy of “hard limits” in its programming of flight systems. Basically, a hard limit is a point where any pilot command to exceed the hard limit programmed into the system will not be honored, but will instead be reformed into an action that is approved. The comments to the InformationWeek article reflect an almost Apple fanboy defense of Airbus and its approach (versus the Boeing approach).
In any event, the point made by many is valid – there is a way to bypass the hard limits in the sytem. There are a few decent resources for discovering what the various limits placed within the Airbus are and when/how a pilot can override them. For those interested here are the links:
Finally, here is an Airbus video on fly by wire.
Travel Channel to Air Disney Specials
Once again the Travel Channel is going to air a few of the Disney specials it has on some sort of rotation.
All times below are CENTRAL TIME.
Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorites
Samantha Brown’s favorite attractions, rides, restaurants, characters and tips at both Disney World and Disneyland.
Channel: TRAV
Airtime: 6/30/2009 8:00:00 AM (60 mins) Replay at 3:00:00 PM (60 mins)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The theme park copes with challenges in its attempt to combine thrill rides and live animals in an environment.
Channel: TRAV
Airtime: 6/30/2009 9:00:00 AM (60 mins) Replay at 4:00:00 PM (60 mins)
Disney: On a Dime
Making a Disney World vacation fit within a budget.
Channel: 277 TRAV
Airtime: 6/30/2009 2:00:00 PM (60 mins)
For Fans of Vincent Van Gogh
I was considering creating a post displaying the best of Vincent Van Gogh’s work while avoiding the most trite entries (Starry Night and Cafe at Night – which are both masterpieces.).
While searching for public domain or creative commons images, I stumbled upon a VERY good blog post that I decided needed some promotion. It is excellent in terms of its prose and choices. My favorite Van Gogh is the painting generally thought to be his last – Wheatfield under Threatening Skies with Crows.
The blog for Brett Crocker can be found by clicking on this sentence.
Irony Abounds – Best Video Game Review is of Worst Game Ever
Another short but sweet post. The best video game review I have ever had the pleasure of viewing was a review of Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing – probably one of the worst games ever placed on sale.
It is clear the game is unfinished yet was released on an unsuspecting public. Until this review from Gamespot that is:
New App for Disneyland
TimeStream Software has announced it has released “Disneyland Park Guide” Notescast® for the iPhone and iPod touch.
The App has over 120 pages of information with rich in-depth content, the new Disneyland Park Notescast is a comprehensive vacation planner and in-park guide covering nearly every aspect of the entire theme park.
It has specific information on
• 55 Disneyland Park Attractions
• Disneyland Resort Hotels
• Disneyland Park Tickets
• Disneyland Park FAQs
• Disneyland Park Phone Numbers
• Disneyland Park Tips
• Disneyland Park Tours
• How to Find Disney Characters
• Disneyland Park “Must Do’s”
• Disneyland Park Shows & Parades
• Disneyland Park Hours
• Disneyland Park – What’s New
• Disney’s FASTPASS
• No Internet access required
“It’s exciting to bring this wealth of information about Disneyland Park to the iPhone.” said Mike Westby of TimeStream Software. “With just a tap of their finger, users can now view Attraction Information, Disneyland Park Tips, dial a phone number to make reservations, even learn where to find their favorite Disney characters within the park.”
The Disneyland Park Guide Notescast for the iPhone and iPod touch is available at the App Store.
The Disneyland Park Guide Notescast is also available for the iPod Classic, iPod 5th Generation and iPod nano at www.Notescasts.com.
Additional Notescast titles for the iPhone and iPod include “Walt Disney World”, “Walt Disney World Secrets” and “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hidden Mickeys.”
Disney Specials to Air Again…
The Travel Channel Disney Specials are to air once again. All times below are CENTRAL time.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The theme park copes with challenges in its attempt to combine thrill rides and live animals in an environment.
Channel: TRAV
Airtime: 5/21/2009 2:00:00 PM (60 mins)
Original Airdate: 8/20/2002
Disney Cruise Line
Galley; engine control-room; provisioning areas; Broadway-style theater; palatial suite.
Channel: TRAV
Airtime: 5/24/2009 11:00:00 AM (60 mins)
Original Airdate: 4/15/2003
Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are part of the theme park complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Channel: TRAV
Airtime: 5/24/2009 12:00:00 PM (60 mins)
Original Airdate: 5/6/2002
Booster Gold on Brave and the Bold: New Clips
Here are two new clips from the upcoming Batman: Brave and the Bold featuring Booster Gold.
New Star Trek Clip Online
The new Star Trek Movie is out, but for those who can’t make it to the theater, here is a brand new clip.
Green Lantern DVD Delayed!
The street date for Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, has shifted to July 28, 2009. A co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the illuminated hero’s first-ever full-length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video. Green Lantern: First Flight will be available as a special edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def for $24.98 (SRP) and $29.99 (SRP), respectively, as well as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP).
This will likely correspond with Green Lantern’s 50th Anniversary (Silver Age).
