For one of my Creative Layout classes, I decided to do a representation of a rollercoaster ride using only text. My teacher stepped it up and said I should actually GO ON a rollercoaster and TAPE the conversations that I had while waiting in line, during the ride, after the ride, etc. THEN I could incorporate all of this into the actual assignment.

Sounded good to me. Can't beat homework that forces you to go to an amusement park. I asked my girlfriend (now MRS. MANIAC) if she wanted to go with me. She was a bit nervous. I had not realized that she had NEVER gone on a rollercoaster before.

Oh yes, this will be good. So I grabbed an old tape recorder (the huge old ones – not them little easy to use one-handed ones), attempted to hide it under my coat, and went off....