There is one question that is constantly posed around the world: why is new exciting? Or better yet, why is new better? To this I say, because it just is. We love new, we anticipate new, we cheer on the new. New cars, computers, players, uniforms, schools, parks, jobs, thrill rides and yes, even websites.

Today is a great day, no, Cedar Point is not opening, but this is the next best thing. Today the new version of The Point Online has been launched for all the world to enjoy. The past few months for this Mecca-of-amusement websites have seen great change, both in appearance and leadership. The reigns are now in the capable hands of MrMike, whom will catapult this corner of the world wide web to world wide fame. He has worked day and night to ensure the quality of The Point Online, and today it can safely be said that his work has paid off. The site looks great. So congratulations Mike on a job well done and best of luck in the years to come. I consider this an honor and a privilege to serve as Editorial Editor during this great time in the history of this great website.  The Point Online is new in appearance, but more than that, the quality and quantity of the forums, picture galleries and articles will continue to rise on a daily basis. Just look at the off season gallery and one can plainly see a new, better relationship with The Point Online and Cedar Point. This relationship, now led by MrMike, can only benefit those of us who really are true fans!  I can also safely say that throughout the course of the year the Editorial Page of this new version will have some special features, guest columnists, maybe even an interview or two – all for those who share an affection for the place we call Cedar Point.

Also new, and opening in just a few short months, will of course be maXair. I will not recap the specs of this ride here, they can speak for themselves in the news and forums. One thing is for sure though, this is going to be one amazing ride. Just by looking at those awesome off season photos, the anticipation builds for this frisbee thriller. Those of us who are blessed with the ability to visit the park are also blessed to share in the excitement of a new ride every other year with unrelenting fidelity. Think of it – maXair, Top Thrill Dragster, Wicked Twister, Millennium Force, Power Tower, Mantis, Raptor, Mean Streak, Magnum… all of which were and some still remain not only fan favorites but record breakers. What is special about all these rides though is not just the wild excitement when they are new; the construction and then that first ride, the paint is still wet and the seats have not yet been broken in, what makes these rides special is that every time one rides them, the same excitement and thrill is present just as the first. That is the mark of a first class ride and a first class park.

Every year, Cedar Point gives us something new. It may not be a new ride, it may not be anything of notice, but they give us a new season. We long for the days of elephant ears, french (ok, freedom) fries, Johnny Rockets, shows, and oh yeah, the rides! That first visit of the New Year brings such a sense of relief, that we made it through the long, cold, snowy Midwest winter and we can finally enjoy the warm summer shore on Lake Erie. To get to this new season, I issue a challenge. Remember back to the first visits of each summer, recall what was new, what was exciting, and relive the memory. Excitement and thrill is stored not only in our minds but in our hearts, and in the midst of the snowy blizzard which is now outside, both our minds and hearts could use some relief and adrenaline. So remember the launch of Dragster, the first hill of Millennium, or maybe just the relaxation of the train, it does not matter the content of the memory, just the execution of it.

In that spirit, this column will, in the coming weeks and months, be dedicated to the thrill, the excitement and the energy that all come with riding that ride. What it will cover has only one stipulation, that it never relent from preserving the exhilaration of those rides that we all so enjoy and are fond of. Also, if you think you can capture the excitement and would like to write a special guest column for the editorial page of The Point Online, please, send an email to editorial@thepointmail.com and we can talk about topics and direction. Until next time, keep up the excitement, remember it will not be long until opening day and enjoy the new version of The Point Online, I know that I will!

(James is Editorial Editor of the Point Online.)