It's a shame they forced Randy out of Seaside Heights a number of years
ago. I only discovered his place the last 2 years he was there and had
some major fun. I'm not too familiar with Wildwood. Where is Randy's
place located?

From:	Mark Rosenzweig
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	19 Jan 2005 13:27:06 -0800

Keith Hopkins wrote:

>
> I love Fascination. On the surface it looks like a complete waste of
time,
> but I find it weirdly hypnotic.
>
> --

Anyone with even a slight liking of Fascination owes it to themself to
venture to the Fascination Shrine known as "Flipper's Fascination" on
the Wildwood Boardwalk, just a few blocks south of Morey's Spencer Ave
Pier (the one with Great White on it).

Flippers is one big acid trip of a game parlor. Take funky music,
bizzarly themed fascination games, disco light and music "effects", and
the host with the most, and you've found the best place to spend a
night in the Wildwoods after a day and night of walking the boards.
-Mark

From:	Tim Melago
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:01:11 GMT

"Mark Rosenzweig" wrote in message
news:1106170026.794334.296650@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Anyone with even a slight liking of Fascination owes it to themself to
> venture to the Fascination Shrine known as "Flipper's Fascination" on
> the Wildwood Boardwalk, just a few blocks south of Morey's Spencer Ave
> Pier (the one with Great White on it).
>
> Flippers is one big acid trip of a game parlor. Take funky music,
> bizzarly themed fascination games, disco light and music "effects", and
> the host with the most, and you've found the best place to spend a
> night in the Wildwoods after a day and night of walking the boards.

No doubt Mark. The past few years we've gone in there around 11 PM and it's
great fun. When they cut the lights and you start playing free game after
free game of speedy bingo it gets whacky. It's non-stop games of full card
using 6 or 8 balls. With all the free games I think it ended up being like a
penny per game with all of the free ones we got during speedy bingo.

--Tim Melago

From:	Jimvid
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 01:45:58 GMT

I'll also back Mark on his enthusiasm for Flippers and the wonderful Randy
Senna and his mom who run the joint. (His Mom always makes Flare turn beet
red with her flirtations). BTW - The machines used at Flippers were
originally from Dorney Park and he has a warehouse of machines for anyone
who might have any interest.

I've tried doing basic research on the history of Fascination, but have not
had much luck at it. I know that it dominated the amusement park scene for
much of the 20th century, but there was also a Fascination parlour in Times
Square up until the early 80's. Does anyone know the history of the
mesmerizing game?????

Please share if you do.
Best,

Jim 'jimvid' McDonnell
"Tim Melago" wrote in message
news:bxCHd.847$rp1.713@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> "Mark Rosenzweig" wrote in message
> news:1106170026.794334.296650@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> Anyone with even a slight liking of Fascination owes it to themself to
>> venture to the Fascination Shrine known as "Flipper's Fascination" on
>> the Wildwood Boardwalk, just a few blocks south of Morey's Spencer Ave
>> Pier (the one with Great White on it).
>>
>> Flippers is one big acid trip of a game parlor. Take funky music,
>> bizzarly themed fascination games, disco light and music "effects", and
>> the host with the most, and you've found the best place to spend a
>> night in the Wildwoods after a day and night of walking the boards.
>
> No doubt Mark. The past few years we've gone in there around 11 PM and
> it's
> great fun. When they cut the lights and you start playing free game after
> free game of speedy bingo it gets whacky. It's non-stop games of full card
> using 6 or 8 balls. With all the free games I think it ended up being like
> a
> penny per game with all of the free ones we got during speedy bingo.
>
> --Tim Melago
>
>

From:	Victor Canfield
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:25:47 -0500

Jimvid wrote:

> I've tried doing basic research on the history of Fascination, but have not
> had much luck at it. I know that it dominated the amusement park scene for
> much of the 20th century, but there was also a Fascination parlour in Times
> Square up until the early 80's. Does anyone know the history of the
> mesmerizing game?????

Thanks to Paul for the picture links.

This is about all I have found:

John T. Gibbs invented the game around 1931--US patent 1906260, issued
in 1933. I think he controlled the game at least until the 1960s. The
patent lists his address as Long Beach, but from the 1950s to the 1970s
he was in Beverly Hills, operating as John T. Gibbs, Ltd. and also
representing Taylor Engineering.

Munch's Traver book says that Harry Traver sold the game for a while.
Traver also patented a somewhat similar pinball-type game in 1937, with
the patent assigned to International Mutoscope Reel Co. (patent 2098320).

A couple of variations were invented by Philip Faber--Rotation and
Electric Bingo (patents 2127396 and 2211617). I think those were also
arcade-style games.

From:	Keith Hopkins
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:56:19 -0600

"Victor Canfield" wrote in message
news:csom2e$qe4$1@f04n12.cac.psu.edu...
>
> Munch's Traver book says that Harry Traver sold the game for a while.
> Traver also patented a somewhat similar pinball-type game in 1937, with
> the patent assigned to International Mutoscope Reel Co. (patent 2098320).

Try thinking "International Mutoscope Reel Co. (patent 2098320)" in Grandpa
Simpson's voice.

--
Keith Hopkins
susskins@visi.comblock (clear the block to reply)
"...as easy as pushing large toads into small cans." - James Lileks

From:	Flare
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 02:18:19 GMT

Mark Rosenzweig wrote:

> Anyone with even a slight liking of Fascination owes it to themself to
> venture to the Fascination Shrine known as "Flipper's Fascination" on
> the Wildwood Boardwalk, just a few blocks south of Morey's Spencer Ave
> Pier (the one with Great White on it).
>
> Flippers is one big acid trip of a game parlor. Take funky music,
> bizzarly themed fascination games, disco light and music "effects", and
> the host with the most, and you've found the best place to spend a
> night in the Wildwoods after a day and night of walking the boards.
> -Mark

Here here...

Mr. Fascination is the bomb!! And his mom is a total nutjob too. It's
such a wacky time... Flipper's is definitely my favorite place to play.
And the games are 20¢ a pop. Can't beat that!

And we can't forget:

SSssssspeedybingospeedybingospeedybingospeedybingospeedybingospeedybingo....

I look forward to Springtime when Morey's fires up again for another season.

Dave

From:	mamoosh
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 01:43:01 GMT

"Mark Rosenzweig" wrote in message
news:1106170026.794334.296650@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

> Anyone with even a slight liking of Fascination owes
> it to themself to venture to the Fascination Shrine
> known as "Flipper's Fascination" on the Wildwood
> Boardwalk, just a few blocks south of Morey's Spencer
> Ave Pier (the one with Great White on it).

Best. Fascination. Parlor. Evah!

mOOSH [addicted]

From:	BaSSiStiSt
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 02:47:53 GMT

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 01:43:01 GMT, "mamoosh"

>Best. Fascination. Parlor. Evah!

Agreed! We were having so much fun we had no idea how late it got.
Now, if they could only serve beer in there as well...

What is it about that stupid game that makes it so addicting?

Mike Miller

OMG, I'm a CreHo

From:	Flare
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:28:58 GMT

BaSSiStiSt wrote:

> What is it about that stupid game that makes it so addicting?

It's simple enough for people like you to understand it?

;-)p

Dave
- Creho Wannabe!

From:	steelforce at aol.come2Mypark (Sam Marks)
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	20 Jan 2005 19:57:45 GMT

>> What is it about that stupid game that makes it so addicting?
>
>It's simple enough for people like you to understand it?

I thought it was the fabulous prizes LOL

From:	BaSSiStiSt
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 20:23:19 GMT

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:28:58 GMT, Flare
wrote:

>It's simple enough for people like you to understand it?

Why, you little... ;-)

What I don't understand is how I can sit there playing it for three
hours and not feel like I'm wasting my vacation.

>Dave
>- Creho Wannabe!

Dude, upgrade yourself to CreHo Trainee. You're gonna be on Bass-Time
this spring!

Mike Miller

OMG, I'm a CreHo

From:	Flare
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 04:37:44 GMT

BaSSiStiSt wrote:

> Dude, upgrade yourself to CreHo Trainee. You're gonna be on Bass-Time
> this spring!

And the Dr. will be IN, baby!

;-)

Dave
- Deja Vu!

From:	Paul Drabek
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:30:45 -0600

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:28:58 GMT, Flare
wrote:

>
>
>BaSSiStiSt wrote:
>
>> What is it about that stupid game that makes it so addicting?
>
>It's simple enough for people like you to understand it?
>
>;-)p

It's like crack. Once you've tried it you're addicted.

Have Fun

Paul Drabek
Raven_Rider@Negative-g.com
Negative-g: www.Negative-g.com
Read My Blog "It's All Downhill From Here" at www.negative-g.com/downhill/

Proud Poster On Rec,Roller-Coaster Since September 27, 1996

From:	Paul Drabek
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:35:29 -0600

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 14:26:41 -0500, Victor Canfield
wrote:

>Does anybody have pictures of the Fascination game?

Here you go:

Knoebels:

http://www.negative-g.com/Knoebels/PPP2004/Sunday/PPP-2004-Sun-8.htm

Indiana Beach:

http://www.negative-g.com/IndianaBeach/IB2004/IB-2004-15.htm

Have Fun

Paul Drabek

Raven_Rider@Negative-g.com
Negative-g: www.Negative-g.com
Read My Blog "It's All Downhill From Here" at www.negative-g.com/downhill/

Proud Poster On Rec,Roller-Coaster Since September 27, 1996

From:	Paul Drabek
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:50:45 -0600

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:35:29 -0600, Paul Drabek

wrote:

>On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 14:26:41 -0500, Victor Canfield
>wrote:
>
>>Does anybody have pictures of the Fascination game?
>
>Here you go:
>
>Knoebels:
>
>http://www.negative-g.com/Knoebels/PPP2004/Sunday/PPP-2004-Sun-8.htm
>

Also here:

http://www.negative-g.com/Knoebels/PPP2002/Sunday/PPP-2002-Sunday-7.html

Raven_Rider@Negative-g.com
Negative-g: www.Negative-g.com
Read My Blog "It's All Downhill From Here" at www.negative-g.com/downhill/

Proud Poster On Rec,Roller-Coaster Since September 27, 1996

From:	Keith Hopkins
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 14:29:05 -0600

"Paul Drabek" wrote in message
news:tfetu0lqkj7fet90qk89fqgd851u8upf1v@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:35:29 -0600, Paul Drabek
> wrote:
>
> >On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 14:26:41 -0500, Victor Canfield
> >wrote:
> >
> >>Does anybody have pictures of the Fascination game?
> >
> >Knoebels:
> >http://www.negative-g.com/Knoebels/PPP2004/Sunday/PPP-2004-Sun-8.htm
>
> http://www.negative-g.com/Knoebels/PPP2002/Sunday/PPP-2002-Sunday-7.html

I love Fascination. On the surface it looks like a complete waste of time,
but I find it weirdly hypnotic.

--
Keith Hopkins
susskins@visi.comblock (clear the block to reply)
"...as easy as pushing large toads into small cans." - James Lileks

From:	flyerace1 at aol.com
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	20 Jan 2005 10:36:38 -0800

Jimvid wrote:
> I'll also back Mark on his enthusiasm for Flippers and the wonderful
Randy
> Senna and his mom who run the joint. (His Mom always makes Flare
turn beet
> red with her flirtations). BTW - The machines used at Flippers were

> originally from Dorney Park and he has a warehouse of machines for
anyone
> who might have any interest.
>
> I've tried doing basic research on the history of Fascination, but
have not
> had much luck at it. I know that it dominated the amusement park
scene for
> much of the 20th century, but there was also a Fascination parlour in
Times
> Square up until the early 80's. Does anyone know the history of the
> mesmerizing game?????
>
> Please share if you do.
> Best,
>
> Jim 'jimvid' McDonnell

Figured I'd chime in here too. Without question, Flipper's Fascination
is a "must-do" for any visitor to the Wildwoods. Don't be turned away
from this old lady ridden, smoke filled parlor because the madness that
takes place in there is too good to pass up. While Fascination could
put just about anyone to sleep at Knoebels (did they hire the guy with
the most drone-like voice for that job or what?), Randy's version is a
whole other ball game. I've never seen more lights, bells and whistles
in my life! He plays standard Fascination and an endless array of
special variations to keeps things interesting and fresh. And
eight-ball cover-all and Speedy Bingo? You haven't lived til you've
tried it! The fact that Wildwood is trying to shut this guy down when
he has the most original thing going on the boardwalk is absurd! Any
way, the Fascination tradition is alive and well in Wildwood for now
and I, for one, always make it a point to stop in for an hour, or two
or three for some games.

As for Randy, the proprietor of Flipper's Fascination, that man is an
attraction on his own. He's ALWAYS there behind the controls, and I
mean ALWAYS! Does that guy ever go to the bathroom? He has an awesome
demeanor and just thoroughly enjoys his business and makes sure
everyone else enjoys it too. Free games, lots of jokes, funny music and
lights...Randy controls it all. In the time of big corporate America
and too many gypsy owned t-shirt shops on the boards, it's
heart-warming to see a wholesome family-friendly family-run business
thrive. Reminds you of simpler times and the way Wildwood once was!

Soon I'll be putting together a segment in my coaster video of
Fascination taken during a September weekend in Wildwood with Ellen,
Flare and Jim. I successfully captured the madness and fun had by all
during Speedy Bingo and cover-all. I'll have to see if I can put it up
on the web somewhere.

Spring can't come soon enough!!
Live to Ride,
Adam Revesz

From:	CoasterFanatic
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	20 Jan 2005 14:51:34 -0500

flyerace1@aol.com wrote in
news:1106246198.681282.142920@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> Soon I'll be putting together a segment in my coaster video of
> Fascination taken during a September weekend in Wildwood with Ellen,
> Flare and Jim. I successfully captured the madness and fun had by all
> during Speedy Bingo and cover-all. I'll have to see if I can put it up
> on the web somewhere.
>
> Spring can't come soon enough!!
> Live to Ride,
> Adam Revesz

I will host any park related video.

--
Ted

http://www.coasterfanatics.com
Your online source for all things rollercoaster
Relaunched and better than ever.

Check out my Profile and Ridelist @
http://coasterfanatic.coasterfanatics.com

From:	Paul Drabek
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	Fri, 21 Jan 2005 08:23:08 -0600

On 20 Jan 2005 10:36:38 -0800, flyerace1@aol.com wrote:

>Soon I'll be putting together a segment in my coaster video of
>Fascination taken during a September weekend in Wildwood with Ellen,
>Flare and Jim. I successfully captured the madness and fun had by all
>during Speedy Bingo and cover-all. I'll have to see if I can put it up
>on the web somewhere.

That sounds great. Please let me know how I can get a copy when
you're done with it.

Have Fun

Paul Drabek
Raven_Rider@Negative-g.com
Negative-g: www.Negative-g.com
Read My Blog "It's All Downhill From Here" at www.negative-g.com/downhill/

Proud Poster On Rec,Roller-Coaster Since September 27, 1996

From:	afrsandy at yahoo.com
Subject:	Re: Fascination game
Date:	20 Jan 2005 09:53:46 -0800

> I'll also back Mark on his enthusiasm for Flippers and the wonderful
Randy
> Senna and his mom who run the joint. (His Mom always makes Flare
turn beet
> red with her flirtations).

Dave, you should definitley tap that. I heard she plays a mean game of
"cover all".

Adam