TR: SFOG (Hardcore Pretzel Loop Action)(4/20-4/23)
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"Should I stay or should I go?'.......
---Warning--- This is a long trip report!
Early last week I had gotten an e-mail from ACE Assistant Regional Representative Robert Ulrich regarding a video shoot that would span 3 days at Six Flags Over Georgia for the Travel Channel. I forwarded the e-mail to all the members in my region that might want to attend the shoot.
Robert asked if I would be able to attend. I had no plans on attending due to a fairly long drive from Ohio, airfare steep as Superman: The Escape's journey to the top, and the fact that I was planning on going to SFOG in a couple of months.
Robert sent me more info about the shoot. The rides being taped were to be Georgia Scorcher, Acrophobia, and the brand new Superman: Ultimate Flight. It sounded like a great time but I really didn't want to take a day off work for travel. I would have to drive because I had no luck with any airfare
....but something changed that.
While watching the 6:00 news (God bless WBNS-TV), they ran a story on possible cheap fares. The reporter mentioned that a person could fly to Atlanta from Columbus for $128 round trip, but had to leave on Saturday evening, and come back on Tuesday evening.
"WHAT??????!!!! That's the SAME exact days I need to go"
This was too good to be true. I quickly looked online at Delta's site, and sure enough, the $128 deal was available. I wouldn't have to take a day off work for travel if I booked this flight. It was a fairly cheap flight IMO. This was more than enough reason to head on down there. I notified Robert that I booked my flight. He sounded pretty excited about this. He even offered me to stay at his place. This was all too good to pass up.
Saturday morning, I went to work as usual. I was to get off work at 7:00PM. While my plane was not to take off until 8:55PM, I would still have to move fast to get to the airport after work. This changed also. One of the leads I work with told everyone that they were going to have to send everyone home an hour early because the servers that run the equipment we use were being updated at that time. I ended up leaving at 6:00PM with plenty of time to spare to get to the airport.
I arrive at Port Columbus. Out of all the times I have flown out of this airport, I have never flown out on a Saturday night. I expected the place to be packed, but it wasn't. As a matter of fact, it was almost vacant. I found this to be unusual, but then again, this is Columbus we are talking about. =:^)
The flight down to Atlanta only took an hour. I didn't want to take a nap but I ended up falling asleep about 5 minutes into the flight. I woke up right before we landed. Once inside the small city that is Atlanta's airport, I walked, took a train, rode up a very long escalator, walked some more, took some more escalators, walked some more.......until I finally reached the passenger pick up area. Everytime I am at this airport, it seems that I have gone the wrong way, but if I continue to walk some more, I usually end up where I need to be.
Mr. Legendary himself, Joe Campenella (A.K.A. Dog Toy), was to pick me up at the airport. I called him on my cell phone and in a matter of minutes, we were traveling to Marietta, GA where I would be spending the next few nights at. We had a very detailed list of directions that Robert sent us. We were following them, but at the same time, Joe told me an amazing story (which I won't be repeating on here) about what happend to him earlier in the day. We were talking so much about his day, that we missed an exit and kept on driving North. About 35 miles later we realized we screwed up and turned around. While I am sure the conversation that was being discussed had something to do with us missing our exit, my guess is the majority of fault lies in the ultra-odd Japaneese Techno Rap that Joe was listening to. Evil stuff I tell 'ya.
We made it to the Ulrich's house at 12:00AM. Robert and son Sam welcomed us. We talked for about an hour. Robert commented on how fast my flight got down to Atlanta by watching it on www.thetrip.com . I didn't know about this feature and can't wait to try it out in the future. We stayed up a bit too long talking about all kinds of things. Joe ended up leaving to go home.
Day 1- The Georgia Scorcher shoot
We woke up very early the next morning. We had to be on the road by 6:00AM. Sam, Robert, and myself quickly got ready and headed to the park. This was to be my only full day at the park, and it was going to be a long day due to the shoot. Mix that up with the lack of sleep we got, and a lot of cool people, and you get a very strange mix of having fun and yawning.
Once at the park, we walked over to GS. I always enjoy riding this coaster. I don't like to compare or rate coasters but I will say that this B&M stand-up is easily the most fun to ride. The layout screams ,"ACTION!" and doesn't let up. I got to meet a lot of locals that I had never met before. People like Chip, Mike Ross, Kevin L, Josh H, Chris, Kyle, Carl, Mike (Rockster), and a couple of people from my area of the country. Please forgive me if I didn't list your name.
The crew that was doing the taping were friendly also. I am going to be working with them again in a few weeks so it was nice to get to see in advance who I may be dealing with. Everyone was so nice.
The shoot went well from what I could tell. This coaster is so easy to re-ride so riding wasn't a problem. I think we clocked in around 15 rides before the park opened. Once the park opened, we were allowed to ride everything that was open.
--- Superman: Ultimate Flight--- (#396)
Sam and Robert really wanted me to wait until the video shoot for this ride to experience it for the first time. As we walked by it, it looked too good to pass up. The fact that it had about a 20 minute line was enough for Robert and Sam to drop their plan of trying to make me wait until the next day for my first ride.
To be honest, I wanted to have some surprise whem I rode it for the first time so I didn't look at many pictures of it running, nor did I watch the POV videos all the way through. To add to this, Robert and Sam made me have my back turned around the entire time I was in the station so I could not see how riders were lifted into the flying position. All I could hear was screams indicating when this would happen.
The ride went down just as we were to get on it but we decided to wait it out. It was pretty hot out (87-degrees) and luckily we were in the shade. While we were waiting, we chatted a lot. We also met Coasterbuzzer Homey G. Sorry we didn't get to hang out a lot Homey, but it was cool meeting you. Soon after, the ride re-opened.
Robert and Sam told me I could now look. I got my first real glimpse of the train. After hearing rumors about Vekoma letting B&M use their train design for the flying coaster, one glance is all it took to kill those rumors. These are nothing like the Vekoma versions.
Getting in these trains is as easy as sitting down. That's it. The restraint pulls down like an inverted, and ride operators close an ankle cuff. After that, there's pretty mucn only one thing left to do.
Fly!
Without much notice, the floor dropped below me in a much faster fashion than that of a B&M inverted. As soon as the floor was down, we rapidly were raised into the flying positon. This happend MUCH quicker than expected and caught me off guard. It is here that you realize how comfortable these trains and restraints are. I felt no discomfort at all. As a matter of fact, it was quite relaxing. We then left the station in the flying position and made our way up the lift.
The lift on this ride is great! There is no floor below so all you see is the ground going away. Once at the top, we started to fly! The train dives down towards the remains of the old Viper Station complete with a large picture of Superman in the flying postion. Already I could tell this was going to be a fantastic ride.
.......then it appears
We rocketed up towards the sky. I was wondering why Robert suggested I sit in the back row for my first ride. I was about to find out. All I could see was the ground going away from me once again, and then basically a wall of track in front of me. This my friends is what we call "Hardcore Pretzel Loop Action!" (quoted by Joe C.). Without much warning, the train dives down towards the ground and put us on our back. It is here that you feel the true power of this element. For what seems like an eternity, you are simply mesmerized by the crushing positive gs of the pretzel loop. No other B&M element I have done feels this strong IMO. I am talking temporary- removal- of- your-soul strong! The wind was sucked out of my lungs during this element. It is outstanding!
We then rocket up and out of the most powerfull element that I can think of at this time, and back into the flying position for an incredible journey. We flew down, barely missing the tops of fences and tops of structures. We flew back up and around. We flew back down again missing more structure. We flew into a small tunnel, up into a helix, and through what a few of us refer to as the 'butter roll' (smooth as butter barrel roll). We then hit the final brakes.
WOW!
If SFOG doesn't have a hit with this one, I don't know what park does. Everything I thought this coaster could be was increased. It's much more powerfull than anything I thought would be possible with this design. It's very comfortable (after all, this is B&M we are talking about), it offers many different forces, and is long enough for you to take it all in.
I actually was shaking a bit after my first ride. I could not wait for my next ride on this thing. Instead of getting back in line, we decided to ride the other coasters in the park. Here is a quick run down of the other coasters we rode this day.
---Mindbender---
Robert suggested we ride this in the very front seat. This is something that I had never done before. The ride seemed to be the same as ever until we got to the top of the hill after the first loop. I heard Robert yell out, "Bye Sean." and I was soon ejected out of my seat at the top of the hill. I clearly wasn't expecting that. For a coaster this old, it still remains smooth and exiting.
Batman had a really long line so we moved onto
--- Deja Vu---
Because of some technical difficulties, this was not running the entire day. I know, I know. I shouldn't be surprised, but it would have been nice to ride it. Oh well, there's always next time.
---Ninja---
Some people hate this coaster. I actually find it to be quite fun. To me, it isn't all that rough, and I find it to have an exciting layout. I did see the word Vekoma on the seats (as pointed out to me by Chris H who we met later in the day.) so my guess is the trains are indeed Vekoma trains. They did have Arrow wheels though.
--- The Great Americana Scream Machine---
Running really good this year. Lots of airtime and a very wicked stop at the end. Still one of the most visual striking wooden coasters I have seen.
---Dahonlenga Mine Train (yea I know, probably spelled wrong)
One of the firsts of it's kind. It doesn't offer much in speed or drops, but it still has it's fun moments. I wasn't aware of the missing tunnel until Robert pointed it out. It has a nice ending also.
--- Georgia Cyclone---
By far, the scariest wooden coaster I have ever ridden. I have probably ridden this coaster about 20 times and every single time it scares the heck out of me. It's not the tallest or fastest but some of those drops are down right wrong. Out of all the Cyclones there are out there, this one is easily the most intense I have ridden. Of course, that's just my view but I know others that agree.
We ended up closing the night on the Monster Plantation dark ride before heading out.
Originally we were going to go find a Dance Dance Revolution machine someplace and jump away, but we were so tired that we headed back to the Ulrich's place and got ready to go get something to eat. Robert made a few suggestions before asking if we have ever had 'true' Southern food. I wasn't sure exactly what that mean so I said no. Robert's wife Peggy asked me if I had ever drank a glass of 'true' sweat tea. I told her I had not. She made a batch and gave me a sample. I am not much of a tea drinker but I must admit, this was good stuff.
Soon we found ourselves at a place called Folks. Being a vegitarian, there is a limit of what I can eat at certain places, but I really dislike it when others change their plans to suite me. After all, it's my choice on how I eat and it shouldn't effect others. After arriving at Folks, I looked at the menu and found all kinds of things that I loved to eat. This was a great place! Joe was with us also and wasn't sure if he wanted to try sweat tea but after a sample of it, he drank 5 glasses! After dinner, Joe went back home and the rest of us went to sleep back at the Ulrich's.
--- Superman: Ultimate Flight video shoot---
Another early morning. Another B&M coaster to wake us up. After leaving the Ulrich's and dropping off Sam's friends at their school, we headed to the park once more, but Sam suggested we stop at Krispy Kreme for some grub. Now, I have been eating Krispy Kreme's glazed doughnuts for a few years now, but never had one bought from an actual store. Mainly if I see one in a gas station, I might get one. Folks, those are not true Krispy Kreme doughnuts. What have I been kidding myself? It only took one doughnut, still hot to the touch, to convince me this was none other than crack for my tastebuds. They simply melt in your mouth. While they may not be the most healthy thing to eat, they are mighty tasty.
Once at the park we arrived at Superman and waited for the crew to finish rigging the camera. Sam Ulrich was picked to do the play-by-play for the coaster. I couldn't think of anyone more better for the job. Robert could have done it also but decided to just be a 'background rider' like the rest of us. Andi Westland also showed up for the shoot and had a blast with the rest of us. Kevin had to leave early in the shoot though. He just found out he is going to be a father so he has other priorities in his life. Congrats Kevin!
We ended up riding it close to 20 times before the shoot was over. The park fed us an amazing selection or pizza and pop, as well as handed out a nice parting gift as we were leaving. With as many rides as I got on Superman, I feel like I know the coaster very well. That Pretzel Loop feels stronger in the back rows, but the front row provides a great float as you are entering the element. I still can't believe how strong that element is. We tried different ways of riding. If you look at your kness the whole time, all your blood rushes to your head and makes you red. If you are near the front, you can see the back row while in the Pretzel Loop. I was riding in the front at one time and was waving at Robert and Andi while upside down. Cool stuff
We then left the park and headed to the Galeria Mall where we could play DDR. Joe and I both have been getting into this game a lot. Sam, Robert, Chris H, had never played it. Joe and I started playing while the others watched. Soon after, a couple of girls and a couple of guys started playing also. Both were awesome players. One of the guys played both pads himself in the highest difficulty level possible. I video taped him because I had never seen anyone playing that insanely before.
Sam, Chris, Andi, and even Robert joined in the fun. Everyone had a blast. We ended up staying there for about an hour and a half playing until Kevin showed up. Joe and I were sweating like meatloafs and needed to take a break. We decided to eat at another Southern staple, Varsity. We met up with Peggy also. I rode wtih Kevin and Sam to Varsity. Once there we ordered a variety of things. Again, it probably wasn't the most healthy thing to eat, but it was damn good.
We closed out the night back at the Ulrich's showing segments of a test copy of Coastered '99 DVD. Joe, Kevin, and Chris left and the rest of us soon went to sleep. I had another big day coming up so I had to get some more sleep.
---Acrophobia video shoot---
I woke up to a massive pounding. At first I thought it was just Andi knocking on the door telling me it was my time to get up, but it ended up being my head that was doing the pounding. I was hungover. No, I didn't drink, but I had a coaster hangover or sorts. After riding something as intense as Superman Ultimate Flight, followed by an hour plus of DDR, then followed by a meal of greasy foods like onion rings, not to mention another night of staying up late, took it's toll on me. I quickly downed a couple of asprin and got ready
I had rode Acrophobia twice last year and had some issues with it. I really wanted to love this ride but the way riders sit/stand on the seat makes for a uncomfortable ride once it hits the brakes. I wasn't sure if I could figure out a way to ride it over and over without getting sore but I was going to try.
I rode with Andi to the park. Andi's husband Jim is a fan of the band King's X. So am I. Andi was recently turned onto them and loves them also. We spent the time going to SFOG singing (or in my case, trying to sing), to various King's X tunes.
We arrived at the park at 7:00AM and walked over to the terrifying tower of terror otherwise known as Acrophoobia. Just walking up to that thing gave me butterflies. I honestly was nervous. What if I couldn't handle multiple rides on it? I know I could get through it somehow but I had to find out quick.
Anyone that knows me understands that I am a drop ride addict. I love every single one I have ridden. Heck, I even sat on one for over 100 rides straight back in 1998. I simply love heights, and I love falling. This one however is different.
Once the crew got set up, it was our turn to ride. My first ride was terrifying. Remember, this ride has no floor so you stradle a seat while standing. It's a bit uncomfortable, but you really don't notice it while on the way up. While going up the ride rotates the 30 seats as does PKI's Drop Zone. Once around the 200-foot mark, the seats on Acrophobia tilt down 15-degrees so everyone is looking down at the ground. The ride then drops and hits magnetic brakes like other Intamin drop rides, but as the ring of seats slows in the brakes, riders are forced back down onto the seat. If you don't watch it, it can be bad.
However, Andi suggested I ride with my arms out. I wasn't sure what this would accomplish so I tried it. As we fell, I prepared to be thrown back down in my seat, but to my amazement, the stop was much better thanks to Andi's suggestion. Because my arms were sticking straight out, I was able to scoot my rear back into the seat more. This provided me to be able to re-ride as many times as needed without any problem.
I will admit though, because of the tilting and the standing postion, this ride still scares me. I would go as far as saying it's the scariest drop ride I have been on. I mean, it feels so wrong, but it really is a fun ride. Joe and Andi tried many different things while riding including the 'Jesus pose'. I am not sure who thought this one up but if you ride with your ankles crossed, and your arms up in a 'V', at the top when you are tilting, it is supposed to make you feel the tilting more or something. I never got to try it but Joe and Andi said it felt great.
Ten rides or later, we said bye to the crew and made our way out of the park. We all said our goodbyes and I thanked Robert and everyone else for a wonderful time. Robert, Sam, and Peggy provided a level of hopitality that can't be matched. I thank you greatly for letting me stay at your wonderful place (and getting to go to sleep looking at a forest every night). I can't wait to visit the park with you again.
I had about 5 hours before my flight was to take off so Joe and I headed back to the mall and played some more DDR. This DDR facination is becoming more and more strong. I am not sure it will reach the level of going to different cities to play DDR or travling across the country to play a certain machine as some of the other diehards do we were playing with, but it sure is a fun game.
Joe and I took a brake after 5 games, went and got something to eat, then played some more. Soon after, Joe dropped me off at the airport and I went home. I sit here, sunburned, tired, and sorry I couldn't visit another day at the park will all the cool people I have met and call my new friends. You guys are great and I greatlly look forward to hanging out with you again. Joe, I will see you in a few more weeks!
That's it for now.
Thanks for reading,
-Sean
*** This post was edited by Sean F. on 4/24/2002. ***
Did you get up early to write this? I'd still be in bed if I was you!
Great TR as usual.
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He let the contents of the bottle do the thinking; can't shake the devil's hand and say you're only kidding.
Den,
Wow! I didn't even get to edit it before someone responded. Actually, when I got home last night, I decided to take a short nap. Well, my short nap lasted 12 hours so now I am awake. Thanks for reading Dennis.
-Sean
awesome TR Sean..ill be at SFOG june 7th....my dad and i are going to Promise Keepers there in Atlanta, so i figured id squeeze in some time there.....ive never been to SFOG, so im stoked!! your TR has me even more excited now!!
Tim (who just couldnt be more excited:))
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"hi, my name is Tim, and im a coasterholic"...."Hi Tim!!" hehe:)
Sean, when I'm bored at work I check back for new posts every 5 minutes. Since that is the situation today, I was probably the first to read your TR. :)
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He let the contents of the bottle do the thinking; can't shake the devil's hand and say you're only kidding.
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Any resemblance between this post and humor is purely coincidental. No robots were harmed in the filming of this episode...The sarcasm filter default has been left ON for your enjoyment.
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X-Flight World's Only flying coaster!
Batwing World's only flying coaster!
S:UF World's only flying coaster! Don't you love SF ?
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I sing sometimes for the war that I fight, 'cause every tool is a weapon, if you hold it right. -Ani Difranco
Wow, that was some novel. Excellent report.
I've only been on Acrophobia once. The combination of my build, the restraint design, and the breaking made it a very uncomfortable experience for me. I'll have to give it another try "arms out," as the actual ride is amazing.
Can't wait to get back to SFoG later this summer.
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"He's blazin' away like the stars in the universe.." A. Vega + M. Rev "Ghostrider"
Someday there will be something here.
*** This post was edited by chris on 4/25/2002. ***
Great Trip Report! So on Superman:UF the seats turn over to the flying position while you are in the station? What is DDR?
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-Sean Newman
74 coasters and growing
Life is a roller coaster ride it!!!
DDR (for some, LMAO) is Dance Dance Revolution, a game where players have to do dance steps in time with the computer generated image...it draws folks in crowds around the gamerooms like nothing I've seen in quite awhile...and now there's newer versions! - No, I've never played Sean...;)
DDR for me, however, is the one and only RIDE that bears the acronym - Dudley Do Rights Ripsaw Falls....
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Any resemblance between this post and humor is purely coincidental. No robots were harmed in the filming of this episode...The sarcasm filter default has been left ON for your enjoyment.
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Sorrrrrrrry folks! Parks closed. The moose out front should have told you.
By the way, thanks for putting out a better trip report than me. Jeez man, mine was long, but in comparison, mine is the 30 minute after school special to your 17 volumes of "Roots". :oD
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Sorrrrrrrry folks! Parks closed. The moose out front should have told you.
Tim, Bill, Todd, and Fafolguy,
Thanks for the nice words.
Chris, yes, I would try riding the way I described. It helped me out a lot. As long as your rear is more towards the back of the seat, you should have a much better ride.
SFgadvMAN,
Thanks. Actually, the seats lift up into the flying position instead of turning over. The feet area of riders is lifted backwards towards the track. It's a very quick process and comfortable.
Bill is correct (well, for the most part =:^)) about DDR. Dance Dance Revolution is actually a silly looking game IMO, but it sure is fun. It's a great release. I admit, I look like a total fool when playing but it's such fun that I don't care what others think.
Bill,
We are going to have to change that. I can see it now. "Rollergator admits that DDR now stands for Dance Dance Revolution and totally forgets what he used to say it stood for." LOL!
Homey G.,
There is a good chance I will be at the CBC even if I am not a member at that time. It's on a Sunday and I usually go to the park on Sundays so I will probably be there. If so, I promise I will show you the whole 'snapping' thing.
I guess my face was pricesless because some of the others that were there were still talking about it the next day. It really did freak me out. I won't be forgetting that anytime soon. Your TR was great also. Sometimes when I get in a 'mood' I just start writing and just keep going. I actually had to add the --warning-- at the top of the TR aftter I looked at it for the first time because I couldn't believe I had typed that much. I wanted it to contain almost everything about the trip, but didn't want to make it too long (so much for that). There were some other things I could have added but I didn't put them in for one reason or another.
Chris,
Nice to meet you dude! The whole 'let's rock' thing cracked me up. I just watched my footage and almost spit out my Sprite because of that comment as we were standing at the exit ramp at Georgia Scorcher. While I did hang out with Josh and Kevin a bit more the next two days, I really liked hanging out with you and Kyle the one day we did. You guys are about to be TV stars! =:^)
I could TRY to show Homey G. the whole "snapping thing", but I am still a newcomer, having been trained in the art only six short months ago at Knoebels....I really need more practice, esp. if I'm ever going to make it to Carnegie Hall!
YESSSS! We are now officially attending all the "festivities" between SRM and CBC, including CM....Jill has made my millennium!
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Any resemblance between this post and humor is purely coincidental. No robots were harmed in the filming of this episode...The sarcasm filter default has been left ON for your enjoyment.
Very nice TR Sean. I only wish that I could have been there for the Acrophobia shoot. I had a blast at the park, and really had a great time hanging out with you and everyone else. It's definately a "do again" thing. I totally agree about the "hangover" feeling you had on Tuesday morning. I felt like I had gotten stoned Monday night. I guess that's what to many rides on SUF will do for ya. I still remember the look on your face after the SUF shoot was through and we all got off the train after a zillion rerides in a row. Everything wouldn't stop spinning!!! There was like 3 of you stumbling around! Anyway, my only regret is that I missed the attack on Joe by Boo. LOL. I thought about that after I got home Monday night and liked to pee'd on myself laughing! That is definately a story to remember. Nice meeting you. Next time you're coming down let me know.
For some reason I feel like singing: Knick, Knack paddy whack.......yada, yada, yada.....
Josh
loriu,
Thank you.I hope you have fun! Superman is a ride not to be missed.
Bill,
Since Knoebel's slowed the speed of their Flyers, snapping is a bit more difficult now. However, PKI's version seems to be even more wicked. It only takes me about two rides now before I get "Flyer-back".
Josh,
I enjoyed hanging with you also. Your expressions when hanging around a certain individual were great! (Stun gun anyone?)
I am glad someone else felt as bad as I did the next morning after the Superman shoot. For a second there I thought I was getting old or something (like THAT will ever happen LOL!) I indeed was buzzed (no pun attended) after that many rides on Superman in a row. It was all good.
Oh........the attack! Can't forget that now can we(smirks). Poor Joe. Out of all my friends, he is the only one that........well.........had that happen. He is going to be scarred for life........litterally.
I will let you know when I go back down. I am sure it will be soon because I already miss Superman.
Vordemort,
Yes, DDR does grow on you. I saw Beatmania at IAAPA but didn't try it. I would be confused because the different placement of the arrows. Thanks for reading.
-Sean
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