November 19, 2014 (Wednesday)
Recently two men in their forties visited Walt Disney World and rode every one of the 46 rides in one day. It took 17 hours to accomplish their feat. No doubt each of them will continue to tell the story of their one-day adventure for the rest of their lives. “Now, gather ’round, children, and you shall hear…”
In nearby Orlando, a 570-feet high roller coaster is about to become the highest in the 
world. It looks like one of the famous observation towers around the country, topped with a revolving restaurant, but the tower stands there for one purpose, to provide the thrill of a lifetime for those willing to pay for the privilege of suffering a heart attack with a view of Florida.
When I was a child, my uncle performed a kind deed by taking me on a roller coaster ride in Playland Park, which was in business near the present location of Reliant Stadium (or whatever it is called these days. Those places change names for the highest bidders). The roller coaster we rode was one of the tallest in the land, and its first drop was so steep it took my breath away. I left my seat and crouched on the floor of the vehicle that had started an upward climb after just missing the center of the earth on its first plunge. My uncle laughed at me on the floor and, just as his head rolled back in laughter, the coaster fell sort-of straight down, and he could not pull his head back. He tried hard, and that’s what caused a crick in his neck that caused him pain for weeks afterwards, proving the old adage that “no good deed goes unpunished.”
If we go to one of the big amusement parks, don’t buy me a ticket on the roller coaster. Just reserve me a place with the toddlers riding the teacups and saucers. And don’t even talk with me about going to Orlando for the 570-feet high ride.
Dictionary definition of thrill: “a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or tingling sensation passing through the body.” I don’t need a tall tower for that; I felt that way at church last Sunday when the choir sang.