#Airline Highway

[thorsenmark]

A Vista Setting of Hillsides in California by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A setting looking to the east while taking in views at a roadside pullout along Airline Highway (CA 25). My thought on composing this image was to capture this set of ridges coming off a main hill or set of mountains further off in the distance. I liked how they had that layered look that could also draw a person into the image.

[zponds]

Drowning Child Meme — American Travel Edition

I never really thought about making memes, nor was i interested in doing so… but being a railroad fan and knowing the history of railroads, especially American railroads, I couldn’t really pass this opportunity to make a drowning child meme based on the tragically sad story of what happened to the railroads in the 1950s, 1960s, and even the 1970s.

What happened was that by the time the mid to late 1950s came along, the traveling American public opted and wanted to travel in cars, trucks and planes. So the government passed several laws and acts, including the Interstate Highway Act of 1956, to build highways and airlines. This had a disastrous impact on the railroads in the country, both big and small. Especially since it was the railroads that built the country and, a decade prior, worked overtime (with retired railroaders even temporarily drafting back into service) to deliver the needed goods and supplies in the busier and heavier wartime traffic during World War Two. The railroads spent blood, sweat and tears to deliver everything needed for the USA to win the war, and how does the public thank the railroads? By abandoning the railroads in favor of cars and planes. This public betrayal on the railroads started in the mid to late fifties, especially when the government passed laws and acts, like the Interstate Highway Act of 1956, to built government-funded and airlines across the country. And if that’s sent enough, the government was also using the railroads’ OWN TAXES to build said highways and airlines. And to make matters worse for the railroads, the ICC, or Interstate Commerce Commission, a branch of the government that was once a major benefit for the railroads, had now become a severe villain and hindrance to the railroads, preventing them from fairly competing against highways and airlines. And with the public betraying and abandoning the railroads, the railroads obviously began to lose money, leading railroads like the New York Central to sell countless steam engines to the scrapyard in order to recuperate the losses. And yes, this sadly included the Hudsons and Niagaras from New York Central, something that Alfred E. Perlman was forced to do as the Central was financially suffering from the public’s betrayal. As the 1960s came and slowly went along, this only got worse and worse for the railroads… as more and more of the American traveling public betrayed the railroads in favor of highways and airports. On top of that, the evil ICC continued their hammering-down on the railroads, preventing them from closing down unneeded rail lines and unnecessary branch lines. If that wasn’t enough, the US Mail industry also betrayed the railroads by moving its transportation methods from railroads to highways & airlines. With mail transportation being a major bloodline to the railroads since the beginning, this was a death blow to many passenger trains, forcing the railroads to shut down many passenger trains, including the famous 20th Century Limited. Desperate for survival, the railroads merged to lower competition with each other, but the evil ICC dragged the railroads’ feet one many of these mergers, even denying potentially beneficial mergers. The New York Central wanted to merged with the Chesapeake & Ohio or the Baltimore & Ohio railroads, but the evil ICC blocked the merger proposals. The Pennsylvania Railroad wanted to merged with the Norfolk & Western, but again the evil ICC blocked the merger proposal. Ultimately, through extreme reluctance and force-feeding, the New York Central and Pennsylvania Railroad “merged” into the Penn Central, but not without being forcefully force-fed the (financially bloodstained) New Haven Railroad by the evil ICC. Long story short; Penn Central was a tragic merger shed in blood caused by public betrayal and ICC interference. Things wouldn’t get any better for the railroads until the 1980s, especially with the Staggers Act of 1980. This FINALLY allowed the railroads to innovate and adapt, while also making the evil ICC no longer the severe villain and hindrance they’ve been since the 1950s. But it was already too late as many great railroads disappeared through mergers (some shed in blood) and bankruptcies.

With all that having been said, the meme above illustrates the conditions that the railroads were in from the 1950s to the 1970s. The public is at fault for the downfall of many great railroads, like the New York Central… and the public is also at fault for the extinction of many steam locomotive classes, including the Hudsons and Niagaras of New York Central. And the ICC obviously worsened the railroads’ problems and the government turned a blind eye to the railroads condition until the bankruptcy of Penn Central (a merger bathed in blood). And since the 50s and 60s, the public had forgotten how efficient railroads were in transporting huge amounts of people and goods across the country swiftly.

[thedaveandkimmershow]

Okay on Saturday we meant to leave at 3 in the afternoon. Instead we leave at 5 after a full day of packing camping gear (Kimmer) and cleaning the house (Dave) plus a little last-minute shopping.

Out the door, on the road, we cruise 405 to Hamptons Seattle/ South Center where we check in around six

We're missing a few things, though, like a luggage strap for one of our giant bags that's actually missing one of its handles so the remaining one just sort of flaps about. We shop some Target and Dollar Tree between six thirty and seven fifteen for the luggage strap (settled for duck tape instead), Easter candy for Kimmer's cousin, a chocolate bunny rabbit for me, and then some additional food for the evening and breakfast the next morning so we can eat on the fly if we have to.

By the time we're back in our room, it's 730. We figure we'll be in bed around 830 because that's the smart thing to do. Instead, we don't settle down for sleep until a little after ten. Kimmer studies. I score a hot chocolate downstairs by the lobby as well as water and a chamomile tea packet to go with the hot water Kimmer's already got going in the room. I decorate my thermos with Harry Potter, National Parks, Cheeky & Dry, Mod Pizza, and some other random stickers. I finish the evening coordinating with the gentleman looking after our cats. Did a huge text dump into his messaging app on the care and feeding of two cats that's so much more complex and complicated than taking care of just the one. Then I set three alarms on my phone. 245. 3. And 305. 245 did the trick, though, because we weren't sleeping at all deeply through the little less than five hours we could. It was more like we were playing tag with sleep. Sometimes we'd catch it. Most of the time it would get away. Not sure what that was all about. Maybe it was excitement on our part. Maybe it was the people, a family Kimmer says, who were arguing in the room next door during the wee hours of the morning.

So when my first alarm goes off at 245...

No big deal.

Our bodies weren't that invested in sleeping anyway.

In no time, we're outta bed, snagging the breakfast Kimmer scored at Target the previous night, mango yogurt and berry yogurt and split a banana. Then I hit the shower after taking a photograph of the alarm clock that reads

Because I can't believe it myself.

While I'm in the shower, Kimmer repacks what little we unpacked the night before, then she gets ready and we're outta there. 

Three thirty five AM we're walking out the front door.

We embark on an eight-minute basically nighttime drive to Doug Fox Parking, during which we travel part of the way almost directly beneath the light rail track that climbs the hill west of South Center Mall.

For the first time ever we're confronted by a Lot Full sign. Not a problem if you have a reservation. Which we do. Unfortunately, I've got it tucked in my bag in the back of the van. So I pull forward, get out the car, grab my reservation which the attendant checks, then we snag parking just as he pulls a shuttle right beside us. The whole process seriously moved. And now we're on our way in a packed shuttle to the Southwest drop-off just before 4AM, mere minutes behind our projected schedule. We check our bags, the two massive ones clocking in at 44 and 47 pounds, meeting the 50-pound limit so thus they travel free. Then we're into the TSA line where, because it serpentines, we get to see all the different ways family resemblance manifests across generations. Also, we're getting our first look at bleary-eyed human beings of all ages. Children, especially. It's like they just pulled an all-nighter. 😳 The morning, in fact, is marked by a lot of kids who look like this. 😕 They're wiped out even though they haven't done anything yet. 

By the way, some are wearing their PJs, some are dressed pretty jazzy, and all are wearing the eyes of being up all night. ☹️

Once we're through TSA and down the concourse, it's three minutes until it's time to take our place in line.

Our super early morning's timing wasn't tight... but it kind of was without us thinking too hard about it.

And the thing I said before about bleary eyed human beings? 

That was definitely the missus 'n me who slept deeply on both legs of our flight, short as each one was.

Landing at LAX around ten thirty was kind of a woozy experience recovering our bags and rolling everything out front and then a coupla blocks over to catch our Lyft at the new transportation hub.

Annoying. Exhausting. Kimmer was not pleased.

A few minutes later, our Lyft driver scoops us up and drops us at Escape Campervan around 11:15AM. Within a half hour, the staff at their  Inglewood location gets us checked in, set up, and on the road with our full complement of camping luggage.

To where, though?

Kimmer's idea is that she'd like to drive down the coast before cutting inland to her cousin's place. 

We're also hungry though.

Plus, earlier at one of the airports we were both remarking on how often we end up traveling on Easter Sunday. Mostly by car or van. This time by plane. But yeah.

Over the years we traveled a lot of Easter Sundays. 

At the same time we're thinking about that, I remind her of that one time we were traveling with Linzy. I think this was in the Rialta RV and we were driving down the coast from Crescent City California. It was taking longer than we figured, though, so we cut inland earlier than intended and Kimmer figured out a hotel for the three of us as we traveled through the middle of the night.

The next morning (of course) after that midnight ride, it was Easter Sunday. Having no plans, we decided on a brunch at the local Denny's. The place was absolutely packed. We did get a booth, though. And, I'm guessing, a bunch of grand slams.

So.

With that memory freshly recovered, we drive down to one of the Denny's restaurants in Long Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway during a relentless rainstorm, water pouring in streams off the roof of the restaurant as we scooted ourselves down the block from the parking lot, along the side of the restaurant, up the stairs, and into the lobby. At our table, we order a Mile High Denver Omelette, a side of fruit, sausages, and brioche French toast along with a coffee and a tea.

Later, we shared our experience there with our waitress and the manager. Our waitress encouraged us to contribute a Google review.

Which I did.

"My wife and I actually had to travel today, Easter Sunday. We were up at 3 in the morning for a 520AM flight with one stopover. So by the time we arrived in California we were pretty wiped out.  😕 We were really hungry, though, and decided to stop in Long Beach for breakfasts for lunch. The service and attention we received from everyone from the manager to wait staff to assistants was the loveliest thing. We were welcomed and attended to in ways that surpass some of our fine dining experiences where there's only one point of contact. We're definitely leaving here feeling more energized and ready for the rest of our day ☺️"

And yes.

It really was that lovely.

We were at the Long Beach Denny's from quarter past noon to one thirty at which point the rain let up.

By this time, with rain dogging our travels, we travel first to the Irvine Sprouts to pick up groceries before heading to Kimmer's cousin's place where we roll in around 230. Kimmer's cousin's prepping his teardrop trailer he's taking camping because that's what we're doing this week: our annual Family Camp on the Hill Above Laguna Beach Adventure! If the weather permits (and it usually does) there's beach exploration to be had, sunsets to watch, stars to see, family campfires to experience and, since this is right along the PCH, I always think good grief, Veronica Mars lives down here. 😉

For now, we pull our bags outta the van, Kimmer and her cousin take it all into his place while I park up the hill. Afterward, Kimmer's cousin, Derek, continues his work, and Kimmer gets cozy upstairs for the papers she's gotta write and the tests she's gotta take for her doctoral program before the day is over.

Yeah. Her doctoral work is ongoing. Even while we're in sunny California.

Around 430 I head out to do some grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and Ralph's for dinner (and dessert) as well as a little bit for the week.

Back at 630, we all break from our late afternoon activities for a meal featuring bacon-wrapped, slow-cooked meatloaf and a viewing of Jesus Christ Superstar, a movie that I've never seen before.

Crazy stuff. 🤔

Afterward, Kimmer's back to papers and tests, Derek finishes his work before turning in for the night, and I hang out with Kimmer's nephew, Kyle, while he plays video games and I write. We do those things and talk at the same time and, eventually, it's just talking about neuroscience and academics, if you can believe that. Plus the story of my cousin in Europe who, whilst interviewing for the job of bodyguard answered the question Would you take a bullet for me? with a prompt No. But if there's time I'll push you out of the way. 🤣

By n by, Kimmer comes downstairs, triumphant in her day's doctoral accomplishments... and joins us.

By now, the day's just nudged into tomorrow and Kyle finally asks the obvious question.

Why are you guys still up???

Hmmm. Good question.

We were gonna take a nap just as soon as we arrived but that never happened.

I guess we just caught our second wind, I tell him. And then proceed to tell the tale of our earlier experience at Denny's, the experience that gave us the shot of energy that sustained us through the rest of the day.

Apparently.

To which Kyle says

Do you know you could've paid way less for breakfast?

Wait. What?

Yeah. Turns out Denny's gotta menu (back of the menu) for kids over 55. Now, I'm not saying the missus 'n I are over 55... but my spin on this is that Hey.

No one there thought we were over 55 so they never suggested we check out that menu.

Yeah. I'm going with that. 😑

In the end, we cruised the full twenty-one of a twenty-four hour filled day. We absolutely did chunks of it bleary eyed... but caught our second wind and just kept going.

Tomorrow, then, Laguna Beach!

😁

[libertarian-druid-ny-separatist]

Would it even be a shock anymore if I had an idea for a ring ring fighter jet?

[phonemantra-blog]

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Atlanta to Austin Traveling from Atlanta to Austin is a popular and exciting journey, offering a mix of urban exploration, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip and make the most of your time in both cities. We'll follow the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) framework to ensure a comprehensive and organized guide. Let's dive in! [caption id="attachment_63209" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Atlanta to Austin[/caption] Planning Your Trip Before embarking on your journey from Atlanta to Austin, it's important to plan and consider the best mode of transportation. Here are some options to consider: Researching and Selecting the Best Mode of Transportation When it comes to traveling from Atlanta to Austin, you have several transportation options. The most common choices are flights and road trips. Let's explore each option: Comparing Flight Options and Airlines If you prefer a quick and convenient journey, flying is the best option. Atlanta has a major international airport with numerous airlines offering direct flights to Austin. It's recommended to compare prices and schedules from different airlines to find the best deal. Some popular airlines flying this route include Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines. Exploring the Possibility of a Road Trip If you enjoy the freedom of the open road and want to make the journey part of your adventure, a road trip is a fantastic option. The distance from Atlanta to Austin is approximately 1,000 miles, and the journey takes around 15-17 hours, depending on the route and stops. You can explore scenic routes and interesting cities along the way, making it a memorable experience. Exploring Atlanta Before you depart from Atlanta, take some time to explore the city's vibrant attractions and experiences. Here are some must-see places and activities in Atlanta: Must-See Attractions in Atlanta Atlanta offers a range of attractions that showcase its rich history and culture. Some top attractions include: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and learn about the civil rights movement. Explore the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Discover the history of Coca-Cola at the World of Coca-Cola museum. Immerse yourself in art and culture at the High Museum of Art. Take a stroll through the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. Recommendations for Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences Atlanta is known for its diverse culinary scene. Don't miss out on these local dining experiences: Indulge in traditional Southern cuisine at renowned restaurants like Mary Mac's Tea Room and Busy Bee Cafe. Try Atlanta's famous fried chicken at The Colonnade or Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Experience the flavors of the world at the Buford Highway Farmers Market, a multicultural food market. Enjoy innovative and upscale dining at restaurants like Bacchanalia and Staplehouse. Exploring Atlanta's Cultural and Historical Sites Atlanta is steeped in history and offers various cultural sites to explore: Visit the Atlanta History Center, which includes the Atlanta History Museum and Swan House. Explore the historic neighborhood of Sweet Auburn and visit the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. Learn about the rich African-American history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Discover the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and its exhibits on dinosaurs and Georgia's natural heritage. Outdoor Activities and Parks in Atlanta If you enjoy outdoor activities, Atlanta has plenty to offer: Take a walk or rent a bike along the Atlanta BeltLine, a revitalized railway corridor with parks and art installations. Visit Piedmont Park, a sprawling urban green space with walking trails, sports fields, and beautiful views of the city skyline. Explore the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Enjoy a picnic or go boating at Stone Mountain Park, home to the famous Stone Mountain and its carved Confederate Memorial. Journeying through the South As you leave Atlanta and make your way toward Austin, there are several scenic routes and interesting stops along the way that you can explore. Here are some recommendations: Scenic Routes and Interesting Stops One popular route from Atlanta to Austin is taking Interstate 20 westward. Along this route, you'll have the opportunity to witness the beauty of the southern landscape. Some scenic stops to consider include: Talladega National Forest in Alabama is known for its picturesque hiking trails and camping spots. Jefferson, Texas, a charming historic town with antebellum architecture and quaint shops. Caddo Lake in Texas is a stunning natural lake with Spanish moss-covered cypress trees and abundant wildlife. Recommended Cities to Visit While the journey from Atlanta to Austin is primarily about the road trip experience, there are a few cities worth exploring along the way: Birmingham, Alabama: Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and explore the city's vibrant food scene. New Orleans, Louisiana: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, indulge in Cajun and Creole cuisine, and enjoy the music scene. San Antonio, Texas: Discover the historic Alamo, stroll along the famous River Walk, and try delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Unique Experiences and Attractions En Route Make your journey from Atlanta to Austin even more memorable with these unique experiences: Take a swamp tour in Louisiana's bayou and get up close with alligators and other wildlife. Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi and learn about the Civil War history. Stop by the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, and learn about the history of this beloved soda. Arriving in Austin As you arrive in Austin, get ready to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere and unique culture. Here are some top attractions and experiences to enjoy: Overview of Austin's Vibrant Atmosphere and Unique Culture Austin is known for its lively and eclectic atmosphere. It's often referred to as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and offers a thriving arts and cultural scene. The city embraces individuality and is a hub for creativity and innovation. Top Attractions and Landmarks in Austin While in Austin, make sure to visit these top attractions: Explore the State Capitol, a stunning building with beautiful grounds and informative tours. Take a stroll or bike ride along Lady Bird Lake and enjoy the scenic views of downtown Austin. Visit the LBJ Presidential Library to learn about the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Experience the vibrant music scene on 6th Street, where you can find live music venues and bustling bars. Discover the unique and funky shops and eateries on South Congress Avenue. Exploring Austin's Music Scene and Nightlife Austin is renowned for its live music scene, offering a variety of genres and venues. Here are some recommendations to make the most of Austin's music and nightlife: Visit iconic music venues like the Broken Spoke and the Continental Club for a taste of Austin's authentic music culture. Enjoy live performances at the famous Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Experience the energetic atmosphere of Rainey Street, lined with bars and food trucks. Check out the vibrant East 6th Street for a mix of live music venues, bars, and food options. Recommendations for Local Cuisine and Food Trucks Austin is a food lover's paradise, especially when it comes to food trucks and local cuisine. Don't miss these culinary experiences: Try mouthwatering barbecue at Franklin Barbecue or La Barbecue. Indulge in Tex-Mex delights at places like Torchy's Tacos and Matt's El Rancho. Explore the various food truck parks around the city, such as The Picnic and South Congress Food Truck Park. Sample unique flavors at the numerous food trucks offering everything from gourmet donuts to Korean-Mexican fusion. Practical Tips for the Trip To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from Atlanta to Austin, here are some practical tips to keep in mind: Packing Essentials for the Journey When packing for your trip, consider the following essentials: Comfortable clothing and shoes for both exploring the cities and long drives. Weather-appropriate attire, as temperatures can vary along the route. Snacks and drinks for the road, especially if you're opting for a road trip. Navigation tools such as a GPS or smartphone with maps and directions. Travel documents, including identification, insurance, and any necessary reservations. Weather Considerations and Best Times to Visit Atlanta and Austin have different weather patterns, so it's important to consider the climate when planning your trip. The best times to visit are: Atlanta: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and blooming gardens. Austin: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city. Tips for Finding Accommodation in Atlanta and Austin For finding accommodation in Atlanta and Austin, consider the following tips: Use reputable travel websites or apps to compare prices and read reviews. Consider staying in neighborhoods close to the main attractions for easy access. Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or if you have specific preferences. Consider alternative options like vacation rentals or bed and breakfasts for a unique experience. Safety Precautions and General Travel Advice Ensure a safe and enjoyable trip with these general travel tips: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Stay hydrated and take breaks during long drives to avoid fatigue. Follow traffic laws and be mindful of speed limits. Carry a first aid kit and any necessary medications. Research and respect local customs and traditions. Frequently Asked Questions: How long does it take to travel from Atlanta to Austin? The travel time from Atlanta to Austin depends on the mode of transportation chosen. A direct flight takes around 2 to 3 hours, while a road trip can take approximately 15 to 17 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way. What are the best months to visit Atlanta and Austin? The best months to visit Atlanta and Austin are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities can be enjoyed comfortably. Are there any direct flights from Atlanta to Austin? Yes, there are direct flights available from Atlanta to Austin. Major airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines offer direct flights between the two cities. What are the top attractions for families in Atlanta and Austin? In Atlanta, families can enjoy visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, the Children's Museum of Atlanta, and Six Flags Over Georgia. In Austin, popular family-friendly attractions include the Austin Nature and Science Center, the Thinkery (a children's museum), Zilker Park, and the Austin Zoo. How can I find affordable accommodation in both cities? To find affordable accommodation in Atlanta and Austin, consider booking in advance, comparing prices on travel websites, and looking for deals or discounts. Additionally, staying in neighborhoods outside the city center or considering alternative options like vacation rentals or hostels can often be more budget-friendly. Are there any famous festivals or events in Atlanta and Austin? In Atlanta, some popular festivals and events include the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Peachtree Road Race. In Austin, notable events include South by Southwest (SXSW), the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and the Trail of Lights during the holiday season. Is it worth renting a car for the journey? Renting a car for the journey from Atlanta to Austin can be a great option if you prefer the flexibility and freedom to explore different stops along the way. It allows you to experience the scenic routes and make the most of your road trip adventure. Are there any unique local customs or traditions in Atlanta and Austin? In Atlanta, you may encounter the tradition of Southern hospitality, where locals are known for their warm and friendly demeanor. In Austin, the city is famous for its "Keep Austin Weird" motto, which embraces individuality, creativity, and a unique cultural identity. What are the best neighborhoods to explore in Austin? Some of the best neighborhoods to explore in Austin include downtown Austin, South Congress (SoCo), East Austin, and the Warehouse District. Each neighborhood offers its distinct atmosphere, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Are there any outdoor activities or hiking trails near Atlanta and Austin? Yes, both Atlanta and Austin offer outdoor activities and hiking trails. Near Atlanta, you can explore the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Stone Mountain Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine trails. In Austin, you can visit the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Mount Bonnell, and McKinney Falls State Park for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. Embarking on a journey from Atlanta to Austin provides a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant cities of Atlanta and Austin, as well as the scenic beauty of the southern United States. By planning your trip, considering transportation options, and exploring the must-see attractions and local experiences, you can make the most of your adventure. Whether you choose to fly or embark on a road trip, Atlanta to Austin promises an unforgettable travel experience filled with culture, history, music, and delicious cuisine. Start planning your trip today and get ready for an incredible journey!

[newsbites]

News from NL, Canada, 9 June

The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure plans to meet with representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Private and Professional Employees (NAPE) to address concerns about staffing levels among water bomber pilots.

NAPE claims that staffing levels are at an all-time low despite an increased demand for water bomber services due to mutual agreements with other jurisdictions.

The Minister states that recruitment efforts are ongoing and a new pilot has recently been hired.

2. A man was arrested and taken to the city lock-up after a theft at a business in downtown St. John's.

The man appeared before the judge on charges of theft and breaching release orders.

The joint funding announced yesterday aims to improve safety in the capital city's downtown.

3. A man is facing charges of endangering safety after being removed from a Delta Airlines flight in Stephenville.

The officers' actions in taking the man into custody are being investigated by SIRT.

The accused is facing charges related to interfering with the duty of the flight crew and lessening their ability to perform their duties.

4. A 19-year-old man from Stephenville Crossing has been arrested and charged in connection with two recent commercial break-ins in the area.

The accused is facing charges of break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.

The subsequent investigation resulted in evidence linking the man to a break-in at Shea’s Pharmacy on Saturday.

5. A serious motor vehicle collision has occurred on a section of the Trans Canada Highway near George's Lake.

6. The RNC have located 14-year-old Melissa Morell, who was the subject of an Amber Alert on Thursday evening.

Three people are facing charges in relation to the abduction of a St. John's girl, with investigations ongoing.

7. The Downtown Safety Coalition is receiving joint funding from the Department of Justice and the city to address safety concerns in the downtown area.

The coalition aims to increase the reporting of crime in order to provide the RNC with a baseline to address the issue.

[kinley-cafe]

For the conclusion of the 3 part premiere (Final Approach) We close out this chapter as Bobby closes the 110 with some Emergency Landing Popcorn!

Since we haven't safely landed yet, all I can offer you is airline popcorn (again) with some Red Eye Coffee.

The popcorn might be a little spicy since it is literally on fire and the interstate sign somehow landed in your popcorn bowl, sorry. (It's made of candy!)

The popcorn is served on a cinematic highway tray, but Buck and Bobby said you can't take them home because they stole them from the Hotshots set.

[reasonsforhope]

"Pro-Palestinian protesters briefly blocked entrance roads to airports in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday [December 27, 2023], snarling traffic as U.S. airlines contended with a rush of holiday travel.

The demonstrations stopped cars on the outskirts of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, where some travelers set off on foot to bypass the jammed roadway, as well as Los Angeles International Airport. A total of 62 people were arrested during the two protests, police said.

In New York, activists locked arms and held banners demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas war and expanded rights for Palestinians, bringing traffic to a standstill on the Van Wyck Expressway leading up to the airport for about 20 minutes.

Video posted to social media showed passengers, some carrying suitcases, leaving vehicles behind and stepping over barriers onto the highway median.

Twenty-six people in the protest were arrested for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey dispatched two buses to help travelers caught in the backup reach the airport, agency spokesperson Steve Burns said.

Around the same time as the New York protest, a major thoroughfare leading to the Los Angeles airport was shut down by another group of pro-Palestinian protesters, who dragged traffic cones, trash bins, scooters and debris into the lanes, according to news helicopter footage.

In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department accused protesters of throwing a police officer to the ground and “attacking uninvolved passerbys in their vehicles,” without providing further details about either incident.

The group appeared to flee when police arrived, though the Los Angeles Police Department said traffic around the airport remained impacted roughly two hours after the demonstration was declared unlawful.

A spokesperson for the LAPD said 35 people were arrested for rioting and one person was arrested for battery of a police officer. No officers were injured, according to the spokesperson. An estimated 215,000 passengers and 87,000 vehicles were expected to pass through the Los Angeles airport on Wednesday.

Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7, near nightly protests have broken out in cities across the United States. In New York, pro-Palestinian organizers have responded to the growing death toll in Gaza with escalating actions aimed at disrupting some of the city’s best-known events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center."

-via AP, December 27, 2023

[st3f4n01909]

Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace in San Francisco, California typically on the third Sunday of May. The phrase "Bay to Breakers" reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero (adjacent to San Francisco Bay) and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway (adjacent to the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach). The complete course is 7.46 miles (12 km) long.

Bay to Breakers is well known for many participants wearing costumes. The 1986 edition set a Guinness Word Record for being world's largest footrace with 110,000 participants, until that was surpassed by the 2010 City2Surf event in Sydney. Attendance in 2015 was reported at roughly 50,000. That year, Zappos.com signed on as the multi-year title sponsor of Bay to Breakers; the name of the race became Zappos.com Bay to Breakers. As of 2017 the title sponsor of the race is Alaska Airlines.

HISTORY

Started as a way to lift the city's spirits after the disastrous 1906 San Francisco earthquake, it has been run for more consecutive years over a given course and length than has any other footrace in the world; although other footraces are older and have been run for more consecutive years, their courses and lengths have changed over time. During World War II participation sometimes slipped below 50 registrants, but the tradition carried on. With 110,000 participants, the Bay to Breakers race held on May 18, 1986, was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest footrace. That record number was partly the product of the running boom of the 1980s; currently the average participation is between 70,000 and 80,000. Many participants do not register; of the estimated 60,000 participants in 2008, 33,000 were registered. The San Francisco Examiner, a former sponsor of the race, published a list of the first 10,000 finishers the day after the race each year.

The route is typically dotted with various local bands performing. At the end of the race is a Finish Line Festival, a gathering where participants and spectators can enjoy musical performances by various musical acts.

In February 2009, city officials and race sponsors announced changes to the race regulations. The regulations included an official ban on floats, alcohol, drunkenness and nudity. The changes were made to assuage the concerns of San Francisco residents along the parade route, who say the race has gotten out of hand in recent years. The news sparked outrage amongst many Bay Area residents who said the changes would destroy much that has made the race a national treasure for most of the last century.

2020 and 2021 saw a virtual race run for the first time as a live human race wasn't held. Officials cite the COVID-19 pandemic as grounds for moving the race to online. Entrants for the 2020 race were also given the option to defer their entry to 2021 or get refunded. The race returned as an in-person event on May 15, 2022.

As a race from city to beach, the race emulated the Dipsea Race, an annual race begun in 1905, which goes from downtown Mill Valley to Stinson Beach.

[bekolxeram]

The ever so observant @misterapril pointed out in this post that there may be a fake plane crash scenario on Hotshots while a real one (possibly with Athena onboard) is happening, explaining the 2 different planes we see in bts material.

I've mentioned numerous times before, this cockpit mock up belongs to an aircraft from the A320s family.

The cockpit mockup seems to be from the same type of aircraft as well. It's a narrow body judging by the proportion, and the 2 Boeing narrow body airliners (737 and 757) both have cabin doors working like a regular door, namely rotation outwards to open. While all Airbus doors pop straight out and move to the side without rotating.

B737 door vs A320 door

This aircraft on the other hand looks more like a wide body to me, simply because a narrow body airliner doesn't have enough ground clearance to fit a whole firetruck under its wing. It's a Boeing for sure, look at the cockpit windows. I'm leaning towards it being a 767 instead of a 777, simply because a 777 should be a bit larger and I see no winglet on the wing (can be a perspective issue, 777 has raked wingtips that might not show up if you take a photo leveled with the wings).

Well, thanks to @misterapril, I've just noticed something that should be super obvious if I wasn't blinded by the plane.

This is not the Ontario Airport tower.

So we know Angela filmed something at ONT terminal 2. The hangar with all the firetrucks and ambulances is also there. What you may not know is that said hangar is right next to the ONT control tower, so I always assumed the night scene with the Boeing plane and the 119 truck was also filmed there.

But guys, they're not the same tower.

The one behind the firetruck is the San Bernardino Airport tower.

In fact, I'm pretty sure I know exactly where they filmed this particular scene, taking into consideration other landmarks visible in the same bts photo.

I think this video posted by Kenny was filmed in the same location.

I believe they are the same building. You can judge it on your own by watching this clip. It's also the only area within the airfield with highway like markings, leading straight out of a fire station.

Why is this piece of information important you may ask? Well, we've been speculating the 2 different planes conundrum might be due to budget/production constraint. In S1, the show bought an actual 757 from an airplane boneyard in Arizona and shipped it piece by piece to California. It was such a headache.

Do you know San Bernardino Airport is also a boneyard? I can imagine Tim says, "don't worry about logistics, we're taking the filming straight to the boneyard this time!" So everything is possible, you have all sorts of retired airliners you can play with for cheap. There's also the possibility that the Boeing we see is just parked nearby, maybe it has nothing to do with filming.

Do you know what else San Bernardino Airport has? A USFS air base. In 7x04 they used the Helinet hangar and its (mostly news) helicopters for the Harbor tour scene, right? San Bernardino is filled with actual firefighting air tankers and helicopters. Perhaps they would be generous enough to let the show take a few shots of a certain helicopter flying around, I don't know, saving people?

EDIT: From the same bts video Kenny posted, I think they're standing under the horizontal stabilizer of a plane? I might be seeing things, and it's not very important, just curious.

[artielu]

Listen up.

We knew this was coming but it's really, really fucking bad. We're in the endgame now.

For all of you who are somehow still on the fence about voting for Biden, the Supreme Court, including THREE JUDGES HE APPOINTED, just gave Trump a nearly blank fucking check.

And if he's elected in November, he's going to appoint another two people to SCOTUS to replace conveniently retiring Thomas and Alito, and maybe another if Sotomayor's health continues to decline. That's five or six ultraconservative justices in their 50s who will be on the Court for the next thirty to forty years. DECADES of ultraconservative decisions.

------

"The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, ruled that a former president has absolute immunity for his core constitutional powers — and is entitled to a presumption of immunity for his official acts, but lacks immunity for unofficial acts. But at the same time, the court sent the case back to the trial judge to determine which, if any of Trump's actions, were part of his official duties and thus were protected from prosecution.

That part of the court’s decision likely ensures that the case against Trump won’t be tried before the election, and then only if he is not reelected.

If he is reelected, Trump could order the Justice Department to drop the charges against him, or he might try to pardon himself in the two pending federal cases.

[ . . .]

Monday's Supreme Court decision came months after the court agreed to hear the case Feb. 28 and scheduled arguments for two months later. Court critics have noted that the justices could have considered the case as early as in December, when Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith unsuccessfully sought review of the same questions later put forward by Trump."

-----

IF WE DO NOT ELECT BIDEN, THIS COULD SERIOUSLY BE THE END OF DEMOCRACY IN THE UNITED STATES.

Biden is a decent, imperfect man. He's chosen a really spectacular, diverse, qualified team of people surrounding him, including

VP Kamala Harris, Black Asian woman, smart as hell, fiercely pro choice

Transportation Pete Buttigieg, gay father, working on safety, infrastructure, airline compensation when airlines fuck us, and healing neighborhoods slashed by racist highway plans decades ago

Interior Deb Halaand, the first native person to head the department which has relations with indigenous peoples and has massively invested in indigenous communities and protecting the environment

Energy Jennifer Granholm, who is working hard to help green our energy grid and funding billions in carbon capture and renewable energy sources

And on the other side is 34 TIME CONVICTED FELON and his shady ass corrupt cabinet of family members, cronies, and criminals.

How is this even a question?!?!

[thorsenmark]

California Hillsides on a Drive from Pinnacles National Park by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While at a roadside pullout along the Airline Highway and a view looking to the southeast to nearby ranch land and then hillsides. That was my thought on composing this image was to zoom in on the focal length and angle my Nikon SLR camera slightly downward. I feel that would create a more sweeping view across the ranch as a foreground setting before coming up to the main hill, that would fill up the center portion of the image. The blue skies would then be that color contrast to complement the image with earth-tones present in the lower portion. The rest was later making adjustments with control points in DxO PhotoLab 6 to bring out the contrast, saturation and brightness I wanted for the final image.

[theresa-of-liechtenstein]

fandot listenalong 2024: games/wrong

on the occasion of newcastle (yayyy), a flightdeck scene, in which herc teaches his boss’s daughter a familiar game that’s ‘rather fun on passenger flights’.

a few thoughts below the cut…

for a character who is never seen or mentioned again in canon, and for a working relationship that is barely even implied in the source text—i can never stop coming back to linda and these two, can i? but how tantalizing a history finnemore teases in an episode remembered primarily for other things. herc, douglas’ old friend from air england who wound up driving wee scottish buses around the highways of short-haul sky; linda, the best candidate for the job, desperate to grow out of the shadow of a father whose title, at the very least, drives aspirants to press CVs into her hands. two pilots put together on a positioning flight to another hub. maybe they were thrown together by circumstance and the scheduling department, as pilots the world over find themselves every day; herc’s conviction that he can find a way to get arthur’s CV into consideration indicates otherwise. it is the chief pilot, after all, who oversees hiring in an airline.

these two are fascinating to me. the experienced aviator who has inexplicably chosen to spend what is certainly the downward slope of his career not at the formidable air england but at what is all but implied to be a budget airline. the young pilot who has been in the sky for long enough and yet is still sitting on the right side of the flightdeck. why?

is it workplace politics? is she unwilling to seek promotion because of the optics of her father’s position? or is it because she believes she still has something to learn from the man on her left?

(the unnamed chief pilot fairbairn, or herc. take your pick.)

i like to think herc gravitates toward oranges for the flightdeck game. he’ll take any fruit he finds, but if there’s an orange, he’ll prefer it. when you’re done with it, you can peel the skin, split the fruit; you can offer slices to a friend, a colleague, a companion.

i come back to them so often, not least because of the strong feelings i have with regard to intergenerational connection and the capacity of old and young to learn from one another—a running theme that resounds through the source text.

i don’t expect i’ll stop thinking about them anytime soon.

[morbidology]

Helle Crafts was a Danish air stewardess that had married Richard Crafts in 1979 before settling down in Newtown, Connecticut. The couple had three children and Richard had a good career as an airline pilot. However, the relationship was rocky from the very beginning with Richard cheating on Helle even before they were married.

On the 19th of November, 1986, Helle landed in New York from Germany. She and two other stewardesses drove to Newtown and pulled up outside Helle’s home. “Richard’s home,” she sighed. It was the last time anybody saw her alive.

Helle had recently just discovered that her husband had once again been having a number of affairs behind her back. She filed for divorce shortly before her disappearance and expressed fear for her life to her friends. One friend said she told them, “that if anything happened to her, we should not believe that it was an accident.”

Following her disappearance, Richard gave varying reports as to where Helle was. He originally said that she was in Denmark visiting her sick mother, but this lie soon crumbled when her mother said no such arrangement had been made and that she wasn’t sick. He then told concerned friends that she was in Florida or the Canary Islands visiting with a friend.

Just days after Helle's disappearance, Richard dismantled and redecorated their bedroom and purchased a new freezer; an odd thing to do when your wife is missing. Helle’s divorce lawyer soon got involved after finding out that Richard hadn’t even reported his wife missing.

Investigators considered something sinister had happened and zoned in on Richard who had been acting very peculiarly. The following month, they discovered that he had rented a 2700-pound wood chipper when Helle disappeared. A highway worker then came forward to reveal that he had seen Richard parked at the side of River Road with the wood chipper in tow at around 3AM a day or two after Helle disappeared.

Investigators rushed to the scene where they uncovered clumps of wood chips under layers of dead leaves. Among the wood chips, they found something much more sinister: a human thumb, a fingertip with the nail attached, strands of bleached hair, a big toe, bone fragments, lacy material from underwear, a mailing label with Helle Crafts name on it and a crowned tooth with a piece of jawbone attached.

The evidence was damning. In addition, they uncovered a submerged chainsaw covered in Helle’s DNA and a bloodstained carpet from inside the home. Richard was found guilty on the 21st of November, 1989, and sentenced to 50 years in prison. It was the first case in which somebody was convicted of murder with no body in the state of Connecticut. The 1996 movie, Fargo, was based on the case.

[oldmanffucker]

“-can’t believe you’re cutting it so close to your flight and you just assumed I’d drop everything and drive you to the flight you booked three hours ago on a whim.” Wilson shook his head, gripping the steering wheel and merging to the carpool lane.

“I know, foolish of me to think you’d drive me to the airport at a moments notice. You really showed me what assuming does by not driving me.” House smirked.

They were on the off ramp when House started patting his pockets.

“I forgot my passport.”

“No way. You’re kidding.” Wilson whipped his head toward House with wide eyes.

“Nope.” He popped the ‘p’. Wilson could tell he wasn’t fucking around bc House’s eyes were shut, and knuckles white around the cane between his legs.

“House! It’s 5:30, your flight boards at 6:15, and we live 15 minutes from the airport!”

“Well drive faster, and suddenly we’ll be 10 minutes from the airport.”

“You’re not going to make it, House.”

“Shut up and get back on the highway. We’ll get back in 20 minutes, it’ll take me 5 minutes to get through security because it’s a Tuesday and I’ll be there with 10 minutes to spare.”

“You can’t run!”

“Ah no, but I can limp and get the attention of the kind airport staff on the fun little carts to drive me to my gate.” House winked.

Wilson huffed, running a hand through his hair as he wove back through the airport to the highway.

“Fine. If you miss your flight I’m not driving you back home, you can call a taxi. I’m supposed to be meeting someone for dinner and I’m not going to be any later than you’ve already made me.”

“Sure, Wilson. We’ll see.” His eyes flashed mischievously. “I won’t miss my flight, but if I did I bet you’d be there to drive me home. You’re like that. You love to be needed and I’ll be the neediest cripple in a 20 mile radius, and trapped in an airport.”

“Shut up, House. Get your house key out I’m not turning off the car when we get there. And haul ass, double your dose of Vicodin after, just get back in the car before I drive away.”

They both knew he wouldn’t.

The passport was on the coffee table where house had left it, and he was back in the car fast enough that he saw the surprised lift of Wilson’s eyebrows before he schooled them back into a put upon scowl.

“You’ve got me driving like a maniac for you, House.”

“Good. You were getting a little too buttoned up for my tastes, Jimmy. Thought you might be going soft on me.”

“Shut up.”

Wilson wove through lanes of traffic, zipped down the off ramp and threw the car into park outside the first airline door at the airport.

“Good luck.” He sighed, the squint of his eye and the twitch of his fingers on the wheel betraying just how stressed he was by proxy for House.

“See ya in a couple days. And untwist your panties, Wilson, I’ll make it with plenty of time.”

He took great joy in texting Wilson 7 minutes later that he’d made it through security, and a stupidly short amount of time after that that he’d be shuttled to his gate with “plenty of time to spare” (it was 6:10)

[papasmoke]

do you think airline pilots ever hope something goes horribly wrong with their plane so they can do a sickass emergency landing?would probably suck if you got your chance and all you had to do was land on a different runway, I bet all the pilots who got to land on rivers and highways laugh at you