I was asked the other day if I knew the difference between
a carousel and a merry-go-round.  I was then told that a carousel
spins counter-clockwise and a merry-go-round spins clockwise.
As proof, I was shown statements to that effect from the Circus
Drive-In menu at HollyEats.com and the Universal Orlando Guide.

Now, while I hate to argue with such fine primary source material,
I was wondering if there are any other sources that would present
an alternate or more definitive view.  I checked the MMD Archives
and the National Carousel Association web site but did not find
any statements that would refute this idea.  The terms seem to be
interchangeable, but I need that to be stated by a reputable source.
Any ideas?

Thanks!

Tom McAuley
Hutchinson, Kansas
http://community-2.webtv.net/TMcAuley/TomsHomepage/

 [ I recall reading that the direction was determined by the foundry
 [ who made the bearing and gear mechanism.  I wonder if the carousel
 [ builder had a choice of direction when he ordered the gears.
 [ -- Robbie