Amusement Parks (with Matt Rogers, Greta Titelman and Edy Modica)
The latest episode of the WikiHole podcast with D'Arcy Carden takes listeners on a captivating journey through the worlds of amusement parks, classic films, and the Italian-American mafia. They explore the rich history of attractions like the world's oldest operating park in Denmark and the birthplace of American parks in Coney Island, New York.
The episode delves into the behind-the-scenes tales of cinematic marvels like Jaws, from the technical hurdles that plagued production to the iconic monologues that made it an enduring classic. It also sheds light on the origins and intriguing terminology of the Italian-American mafia, including a pivotal confrontation in Coney Island that forever changed the New York mafia landscape.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 11, 2024 episode of the WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden
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1-Page Summary
Amusement Parks and Theme Parks
Bakken, the World's Oldest Operating Amusement Park
Bakken, located north of Copenhagen, has been operational since 1583, making it the world's oldest amusement park. Its origins trace back to the Middle Ages when crowds gathered at a natural spring.
The Birthplace of American Amusement Parks
Coney Island in New York City is considered the birthplace of American amusement parks and was home to the first American roller coaster, the Switchback Railway, which opened in 1884.
A Variety of Rides and Attractions
Amusement and theme parks offer diverse experiences through a wide array of rides and attractions. D'Arcy Carden, known for her role in "The Good Place," is a self-proclaimed enthusiast who regularly visits iconic parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags. Carden and Greta Titelman highlight thrilling rides including Space Mountain, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the Incredicoaster.
The Movie Jaws
The Mechanical Shark "Bruce"
The mechanical shark used in "Jaws" was nicknamed "Bruce" after Steven Spielberg's lawyer, Bruce Rammer. This name became part of pop culture, even influencing the shark character in "Finding Nemo."
A Troubled Production
The filming of "Jaws" was plagued by technical issues, earning it the nickname "flaws" among the crew. These difficulties extended to attractions like the Jaws ride at Universal Studios Florida. Spielberg himself avoided the final day of shooting, fearing retaliation from the frustrated crew.
Robert Shaw's Iconic Monologue
Robert Shaw's performance as Quint in "Jaws" is memorable for his monologue about the USS Indianapolis tragedy. While Shaw reportedly contributed to writing the monologue, his time on set was complicated by his struggles with alcohol and conflicts with co-star Richard Dreyfuss.
The Italian-American Mafia
The First Documented Presence
The first published account of the Italian-American mafia in the United States dates back to 1869 in New Orleans, where a newspaper article highlighted the criminal activities of notorious Sicilian groups.
Mafia Terminology and Nicknames
The mafia developed a specialized vocabulary, including terms like "omerta" (code of silence) and "gumar" (mistress). Members also often went by nicknames like "Lucky Luciano" and "Chiro the Artichoke King Terranova."
A Pivotal Confrontation at Coney Island
A significant battle between rival mafia factions in the 1930s, which forever changed the New York mafia, took place at a location in Coney Island.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Bakken is often recognized as the world's oldest operating amusement park, there may be other places with similar claims that are less well-documented or have not operated continuously.
- Coney Island's status as the birthplace of American amusement parks could be contested by other locations that had earlier forms of amusement attractions, even if they were not formalized as "amusement parks."
- The Switchback Railway is indeed an early roller coaster, but it was not the first gravity ride or even the first such ride in America, as there were earlier scenic railways and toboggan-style rides.
- The variety of rides and attractions at amusement and theme parks is subjective and can vary greatly in terms of quality, innovation, and cultural impact.
- Personal anecdotes about celebrities like D'Arcy Carden and Greta Titelman enjoying certain rides may not be representative of the general public's preferences or experiences.
- The mechanical shark in "Jaws" being named "Bruce" is a fun fact, but it does not necessarily contribute to the film's success or cultural impact.
- The filming of "Jaws" did face technical issues, but these did not prevent the film from becoming a significant success and a classic in the thriller genre.
- Robert Shaw's monologue in "Jaws" is indeed iconic, but its impact and the extent to which Shaw contributed to its writing could be subject to debate.
- The first documented presence of the Italian-American mafia in the United States might have been earlier than 1869, but records might not have been well-kept or have survived.
- The specialized vocabulary of the mafia, such as "omerta" and "gumar," is well-known, but the use and understanding of these terms can vary within and outside of the organization.
- The use of nicknames in the mafia could be seen as a way to romanticize or trivialize the serious and often violent nature of organized crime.
- The significance of the mafia confrontation at Coney Island in the 1930s could be overstated or might not have had as lasting an impact as other events in the history of organized crime.
Actionables
- You can explore the history of amusement parks by creating a digital scrapbook that includes images, facts, and personal reflections on parks like Bakken and Coney Island.
- Start by researching the historical significance of these parks and their attractions. Then, use a free online collage tool or digital scrapbooking software to compile your findings along with any personal photos or memories if you've visited these places. This activity not only enhances your understanding of amusement park history but also gives you a creative outlet to document and share your interests with friends or family.
- Dive into the world of film by hosting a "Jaws" movie night that includes a pre-film trivia session about the production challenges and the significance of the USS Indianapolis monologue.
- Prepare trivia questions based on the behind-the-scenes facts of "Jaws," such as the issues with the mechanical shark and the story behind Robert Shaw's monologue. Invite friends or family over for the movie night and engage them with the trivia before watching the film. This enhances the viewing experience by providing context and could spark interesting discussions about the film's production.
- Expand your cultural knowledge by learning and using mafia-related vocabulary in a creative writing exercise.
- Write a short story or a scene that incorporates terms like "omerta" and "gumar," and use nicknames inspired by historical mafia figures for your characters. This exercise not only helps you understand the specialized language but also encourages you to engage with historical context in a creative and entertaining way. Share your writing with a friend or a writing group for feedback and discussion.
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Amusement parks and theme parks
The history of amusement parks dates back centuries, with their evolution from European traditions to modern day entertainment destinations.
Bakken, the world's oldest operating amusement park, opened in 1583 in Denmark
Bakken, located north of Copenhagen, holds the title of the world's oldest operating amusement park, having opened in 1583. The park originated from European Middle Ages traditions when a natural spring discovered by a local woman drew large crowds and, consequently, entertainers and vendors. By the 18th and 19th centuries, such places had evolved to become entertainment venues for the masses, featuring a variety of attractions, including freak shows, acrobatics, conjuring, and juggling.
The Coney Island amusement park in New York City is considered the birthplace of the American amusement park
Coney Island, in New York City, is hailed as the birthplace of the American amusement park. Known for its innovative attractions, it was home to the first American roller coaster, which opened in 1884 and traveled at a humble 6 miles per hour. The coaster, known as the switchback railway, consisted of a bench-like car that traveled 600 feet down a track from one tower to another, where the vehicle was switched to a return track.
Amusement parks and theme parks offer a wide variety of rides, attractions, and experiences for visitors
Amusement and theme parks provide diverse experiences through a wide array of rides and attractions.
D'Arcy Carden is a self-proclaimed amusement park enthusiast who regularly visits Disneyland and Universal Studios
D'Arcy Carden, known for her role in "The Good Place," is an avid amus ...
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Amusement parks and theme parks
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Counterarguments
- While Bakken is indeed the oldest operating amusement park, there may be other historical sites that could contest the title based on different criteria for what constitutes an amusement park.
- The concept of amusement parks may have different origins in other cultures, and the European Middle Ages traditions are not the sole precursor to modern amusement parks.
- Some might argue that the birthplace of the American amusement park could be contested by other locations that had earlier forms of amusement attractions, even if Coney Island popularized and innovated the concept.
- The definition of a roller coaster can vary, and some might argue that earlier versions of gravity-driven rides could qualify as roller coasters, potentially challenging the claim of the switchback railway being the first.
- The statement that amusement parks and theme parks offer a wide variety of rides and attractions is broad and subjective; some visitors might feel that certain parks lack diversity in their offerin ...
Actionables
- Create a personal amusement park history tour by researching the oldest amusement parks near your location and planning visits to them. This allows you to experience the evolution of amusement parks firsthand. For example, if you live in Europe, you might start with Bakken in Denmark and then visit other historic parks, documenting your experiences and the changes in attractions and themes over time.
- Design a themed garden or room inspired by your favorite amusement park ride. If the Incredicoaster is a ride you admire, you could create an Incredibles-themed space in your home or garden, using colors, patterns, and decorations that reflect the ride's aesthetic and the movie's characters, providing a daily touch of the amusement park magic in your own environment.
- Start a casu ...
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The movie Jaws
The iconic thriller "Jaws" has left a lasting impact on cinema history, not just for its suspenseful storytelling but also for its behind-the-scenes stories involving the mechanical shark, on-set difficulties, and memorable performances.
The mechanical shark used in the filming of Jaws was nicknamed "Bruce" after Steven Spielberg's lawyer
The mechanical shark in "Jaws" was affectionately named Bruce, a cheeky homage to Steven Spielberg's lawyer, Bruce Rammer. This name became a part of pop culture, and the influence of the notorious Bruce even extended to other films. The shark character in Pixar's "Finding Nemo" is also named Bruce, which is a direct nod to the shark from "Jaws."
The filming of Jaws was plagued by technical difficulties and issues, leading to it being referred to as "flaws" by the crew
The filming of "Jaws" was notoriously difficult, with the production being plagued by technical challenges that earned the movie the nickname "flaws" among the crew. These issues were not limited to on-set but also carried over into attractions inspired by the film, such as the Jaws ride at Universal Studios Florida, which opened in 1990 and was known for frequent breakdowns and daily evacuations due to the elaborate special effects.
The atmosphere on set was so negative and frustrating that Spielberg himself avoided the final day of shooting, fearing the crew would throw him into the water as retaliation for the difficult shooting schedule. This event contributed to Spielberg's tradition of not being present for the last shots of his films.
The movie Jaws featured an iconic scene with the character Q ...
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The movie Jaws
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Actionables
- You can name a personal project or item after someone you respect to create a sense of attachment and motivation. For instance, if you're building a model airplane and admire a historical figure who was a pilot, name the plane after them. This can make the project feel more meaningful and encourage you to see it through to completion.
- Reflect on a challenging experience you've had and share the story with friends or family to find catharsis and build connections. Similar to Quint's monologue in "Jaws," recounting a personal hardship in a storytelling setting can be therapeutic for you and provide a bonding experience with your listeners.
- If you're working on a creative project ...
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The Italian-American mafia
The Italian-American mafia has a rich history that dates back over a century in the United States, intertwining with America's own development and cultural landscape.
The first published account of the Italian-American mafia in the United States dates back to 1869 in New Orleans
In 1869, the New Orleans Times highlighted the infestation of criminal activities in the city's second district. The article specifically pointed out notorious Sicilian "murderers, counterfeiters and burglars" as responsible for the increase in lawlessness. This marked the first public acknowledgment of the Italian-American mafia's presence in the United States.
Mafia-related terms like "omerta" (a vow of silence) and "gumar" (a mistress) are part of the mafia's specialized vocabulary
The mafia developed a specialized vocabulary that became part of popular culture. "Omerta," for example, refers to the code of silence upheld by members of the mafia, a vow never to divulge criminal activities to authorities. Another term, "gumar," is used to describe a mistress associated with mafia members.
Mafia nicknames, such as "Lucky Luciano" and "Chiro the Artichoke King Terranova," were often used by members
Additionally, members of the mafia often went by nicknames, which became nearly as famous as their deeds. Notable examples include "Lucky Lucia ...
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The Italian-American mafia
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Counterarguments
- The Italian-American mafia's history is indeed rich, but it's important to recognize that it is also a history marked by violence, exploitation, and other criminal activities that have had negative impacts on society.
- While the first published account of the Italian-American mafia may date back to 1869, it's possible that their activities started earlier but went unreported or unrecognized by the media and law enforcement.
- The attribution of criminal activities in New Orleans in 1869 specifically to Sicilian "murderers, counterfeiters and burglars" could be seen as an overgeneralization and may contribute to ethnic stereotyping.
- The specialized vocabulary of the mafia, such as "omerta" and "gumar," while part of popular culture, also romanticizes a criminal lifestyle that has real-world negative consequences.
- The use of nicknames within the mafia, such as "Lucky Luciano" and "Chiro th ...
Actionables
- Dive into local history by researching your city's past criminal activities and their societal impacts to gain a deeper understanding of how organized crime has shaped communities. Start by visiting your local library or historical society to access archives and newspapers from the era of interest, such as the late 1800s if you're intrigued by the mafia's early days in the United States.
- Expand your vocabulary by learning words from different subcultures or professions, similar to how "omerta" and "gumar" are specific to the mafia. Pick a subculture or profession you're curious about, find a glossary or dedicated dictionary online, and incorporate a new word into your vocabulary each week.
- Create a personal al ...
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