So, I’ve told you about our family’s Spring Break visits to Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Monticello, and all of the fascinating history we learned at each. But we did make one additional visit that probably won’t make the register of historic places: Busch Gardens amusement park. And yes, I did ride a roller coaster.
Interestingly, the oldest roller coasters are believed to have originated from the so-called “Russian Mountains,” which were hills of ice located near what is now Saint Petersburg, Russia and built in the 17th century. Later, an Anglican clergyman named John Glen King wrote in a letter to Lord Bishop of Durham that some Englishmen visiting Russia called them “Flying Mountains” and described the ride as follows:
The process is, two of four persons fit in a little carriage and one stands behind, for more there are in it the greater the swiftness with which it goes; it runs on castors and in grooves to keep it on its right direction, and it descends with a wonderful rapidity. * * * At the same place, there is another artificial mount which goes in a spiral line, and in my opinion, for I have tried it also, is very disagreeable; as it seems always leaning on one side, and the person feels in danger of falling out of seat.
You see, everything has a history—even roller coasters. And people have been seeking thrills for centuries—even clergymen. This year, the biggest coaster in the world, with a 640-foot drop, is scheduled to open at a Six Flags in Saudi Arabia. I wonder what Reverend King would think of that. My guess: He’d find it “very disagreeable.”
And now, for the Friday Funnies:
A guy sees a sign in front of a house:
“Talking Dog for Sale – $10.”
He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.
The guy walks into the backyard and sees a Labrador Retriever sitting there.
“You talk?” he asks.
“Yep,” the Lab replies.
“So, what’s your story?”
The dog looks up and says,
“Well, I discovered my ability to talk when I was young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. They had me traveling the world, eavesdropping on conversations—nobody suspects a talking dog. I was one of their best assets. After years of service, I retired, settled down, and now I just hang out here.”
The guy is amazed. He goes back to the owner and asks, “Why on Earth are you selling this dog for just $10?”
The owner says,
“Because he’s a liar. He didn’t do any of that.”
Have a wonderful day.
