Remember me?

September 11, 2001 was a day that forever changed the way many people look at many things. For most, the world is now operating under new rules. It was a difficult day for me, and the backlash that has resulted has been even more difficult.

In my real life, I used to work on a daily basis with numerous people who worked at the World Trade Center. I had been on the phone with a couple of these people the morning of September 11, including one conversation about twenty minutes before the attacks. Luckily for me, everybody that I worked with closely survived the attacks. However, my industry lost too many good people. The world lost too many people.

My experience of this day was not exceptional. We have all been touched by these tragic events. If we were fortunate enough not to personally know anyone killed or injured, we sure learned about one. At www.ultimaterollercoaster.com, I sign all of my message board posts with the acronym "hastd" - Heroes Aren't Supposed To Die. It started as (and still is) my personal note to my own hero, Owen Hart, but never before has this thought been truer.

Since September 11, the investment world that I work in has been in a whirlwind. But the panic is now gone from the markets and that part of my life has calmed down. Or at least, investors have redefined the word "calm". Either way, that part of my life is back to a sense of normalcy. The fifteen-hour workdays have been pared back to eleven and I have time again for a life outside of the office.

Unfortunately, one of the things I had to put aside in the past two months has been the View From The Back. But I'm back now, and the View is back. I am working on new columns as I write this and am prepared to offer weekly columns from here on out.

Beginning next week, I will have a two-part answer to the one question that has been asked of me more than any other. That is, why Paramount's Kings Dominion? Those of you who have kept up with the column know that PKD is my favorite place in the world. I know that it is not the best park in the world, but it holds a special place in my heart. In part one next week, I will cover some of the memories and traditions that have built up over the years that have given PKD that special place. Then, in week two, I have a trip report from September when I introduced the park to a brand new generation of 3:16's, as my family got back together at the park with my two nieces, ages 2 and 4. It was a new way to look at the park for me, and a good one.

From there, the View keeps going with a look at the Top Ten new attractions from this season. Last year, the Top Ten garnered quite a response. Not everybody may have agreed with the list we compiled, but reaction to the same rides this year show that we pretty much hit the list head on.

I also have my personal favorite rides/parks list to re-cover. I last presented this list at the beginning of the year, and now will take a look back to see how/if the list has changed.

Of course, we will continue to cover some hot topics facing the amusement park industry. From a great email I received regarding handicapped policies at the park to the plight of the fast pass system, we've got some good stuff to cover in the weeks and months to come. Seasonal parks may be shutting down for the year, but the View is just getting back in gear. The View is more than just trip reports, now, and it is about to get interesting.

So, I apologize for taking some unannounced time off and thank you for coming back for the View. Until next week, if you live in a warm-climate area, hop a ride on a coaster. If you live in PA, get yourself to Hersheypark for Christmas Candylane. If you live anywhere else, find a carousel and take a spin.

No matter what you choose, head for the back and take a back seat ride once for me...


                                                                                 Coaster 3:16

Have a comment or question for Coaster 3:16?
You can reach him at:  Coaster_316@yahoo.com