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Tagged With "air traffic control"

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Re: December 12, 2016: Percheron Horses, Alberta

GarryRF ·
Wonderful work horses with a positive future. Known for their cool temperament and strength these animals are used by police in cities where heavy traffic doesn't distress them.. For over 200 years breeders have a kept stud records and kept the breed pure. As you say they were a war horse too. A million were left in France by allied troops after WW1. And unfortunately France has a "taste" for horse meat
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Re: France: Cameras are watching more than speed

Amateuremigrant ·
I'm very wary of surveillance when it applies at an individual level. However, traffic, often high speed traffic, has to be regulated (Highway Code) for us to expect to survive most journeys. Who is it that would object to bad driving being scrutinised ? They may well be grateful some day that someone else's misdemeanour has been noted. if you mindfully do that stuff, you shouldn't. And if you won't behave among the rest of us, then maybe you shouldn't drive.
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

DrFumblefinger ·
I'll be flying the Toronto to Delhi route in February. Looking forward to it!
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

Paul Heymont ·
So you’ll probably get the super-new plane…noticed after posting that some of the flights for now are being flown by a 787-8, but starting in February, it will be the -9… Green with envy about everything…except the length of the flight!
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

GarryRF ·
You can take your own entertainment on the Dreamliner DrF. The large screen in the seat back in front of you also has a USB port. The Menu has a USB option and you can charge those devices you've taken with you. I also recommend Bluetooth headphones to keep all those singing babies away ! I have a selection of music to sleep to.
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks for the bit of advice, Garry. I usually use the USB port to keep my phone charged. Air Canada has a good flight movie menu and I tend to use that time to catch up on new releases.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona

Travel Rob ·
Notice on the 1910 Model G Touring car, it's a right hand drive car. Most early US 1900 cars were because drivers of horse drawn carriages sat on the right. The US only started to change when Ford put a left hand drive on a 1908 Model T so passengers didn't have to enter the car in oncoming traffic.
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Re: Now an airline charge for NOT flying!

TravelingCanuck ·
Sadly it seems that the only thing limiting some airlines from charging another fee is their imagination. However, I have faith that they will think out of the box and try to suck more from their passengers.
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Re: Now an airline charge for NOT flying!

GarryRF ·
If you do call the airline to cancel your return ticket you get no refund. They will probably sell your seat for more than your two-way ticket cost. If you try to reschedule your return for another day they will charge full price with no discount for being polite and doing the right thing. So you just walk away and find another airline. The Philosophy of W.C. Fields. "Never give a sucker an even break"
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Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool

Travel Rob ·
Great piece! I can't say enough good things about John Lennon Airport that's next door. Not only is does it have a wide array of budget flights for Europe, the passport control is actually friendly there.
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Re: Belfast: An Uneasy City

Paul Heymont ·
I think I have to disagree on comparing human societies to plate tectonics; over the latter we have no control, but I would hate to ever think we've exhausted the possibility of dealing with the former. Examining mass religious conflicts generally reveals other issues beneath. That's certainly true of the long and tortured history between the two islands and the two Irelands. While James was a Catholic and William a Protestant, the real issues behind the conflict that set Ireland's future...
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #12. Brasov, Romania

Travel Rob ·
Congratulations Worker Bee! Nice write up PHeymont! The Black Church holds some significant memories for me personally as does the whole city. In the aerial shot, if you look closely, you will also find some drab communist era apartment buildings. The time of Ceausescu and the Securitate was a time no one who lived in the country will forget. It was also Romania's baby boom when a lot people of people were born due to no birth control. The Romanian people are talented and o pen and I...
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Re: How Low Can You Go? Norwegian Air's Chief Bets on It

Travel Rob ·
After seeing todays prices ,he's not joking around. He's putting the loss leaders right out there to set the tone. The West Coast prices are absolutely incredible. I sure hope it lasts
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: Jan. 16, 2014: Liverpool Victoria Gallery

GarryRF ·
My favourite time to visit attractions is May-June-July. Before the little monsters are released on school vacation. Liverpool has hundreds of things to do - no exaggeration ! Here's 128 to go on with http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/A...seyside_England.html Liverpool makes a good hub for visiting nearby Chester with its 2,000 year old Roman Walls and Tudor Buildings. The River Dee and North Wales. All using local public transport - mostly trains. You can get a flight, Liverpool - Dublin from...
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Re: Your Favourite Travel Camera (or 2)

Paul Heymont ·
I see I'm in good company--I'm joining the two-camera brigade for the first time in years (years ago I traveled with two SLRs, one with color film and the other B/W, and then for a while with a film and a digital). I've been working for the last dozen years with a single compact (been through a Fuji, a Canon, Panasonic Lumix and recently a Nikon S9400 ). All have been good, and on an escalating curve of features. All the left-behinds are still in use elsewhere in the family. I actually...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

DrFumblefinger ·
I don't mind autopilot and I don't mind a second opinion from a computer, but I don't like the computer deciding when to "fly" and override the humans, unless with very clear program instructions (eg. If plane is clearly out of control. JFK Jr could have used such a system to prevent his plane crash because he was completely disoriented when he crashed his private plane)
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,

GarryRF ·
Getting around the UK is very easy using Public Transport. Students travel around the country all the time - going to Uni and back home for the weekend. Friends going to weddings and folks going to London. London - like big Cities in the US - is a Traffic Nightmare ! Fortunately the UK is about the same size as a US State. Maybe Florida ? So its only a few hours by road. Trains are much faster - but more expensive, You're choice. So... look at http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx They're...
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

DrFumblefinger ·
Poor Larry Ellison. It's such a hardship owning your own Hawaiian Island.
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

Former Member ·
Billionaires are made, not born. Mr. Ellison seems to be making a business move - pressure the FAA to make things difficult for Hawaiian air, upgrade the Island Air service, achieve sole "Ohana" certification for Island Air. Ohana certification is keenly sought for this market. Here is a description. http://www.examiner.com/articl...on-spiffed-up-planes
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

Paul Heymont ·
Well, it's worth noting that Hawaiian has still not gotten Ohana off the ground, literally. They're citing FAA's cutbacks due to sequestration and then the shutdown as the reason. Island Air used to be a Hawaiian affiliate, flying Dash-8s and ATR-42s into small airports and feeding passengers into Hawaiian. Ohana was/is their plan to stay in that market with ATR42s. Island is unhappy with its ATRs (both the 42 and the larger 72), but doesn't seem to be able to solve any of its problems. I...
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by CICAK: Billionaires are made, not born. Many billionaires are self-made, Cicak. Many are born into their wealth. I'm thinking here of the likes of the Mars family (of chocolate fame) and Walton family (Walmart), as well as hundreds of Saudi princes to name just some. I have no problem with people getting rich either way. I think those who earn the wealth often seem more content, but I could be wrong.
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

Former Member ·
Mr. Ellison plays hardball. He comes by his wealth through calculated strategy. It appears that the matter of securing better aircraft for his airline is part of a larger effort to corner the market for premium service to "his" island. Who knows, maybe the island is for sale ? Make him an offer. When you own the island, let me know; I will be glad to come to Lanai and run the canoe livery.
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province

PortMoresby ·
HistoryDigger, I'll explain. At the end of the first day of tulou visits, the large tour bus rendezvoused with a small van and it was indicated that I should bring my things and come with a young man. Since no one could explain, I had to simply trust and go along, an interesting sensation. I later realized that I was the only one who had opted for the second day. The young man drove me to a very basic village of mostly new buildings built, I suspect but of course don't know, for...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

DrFumblefinger ·
I remember that scene vividly. A terrifying moment in cinematic history because of how completely out of control the fate of those 2 astronauts was. Ever had a computer plotting to kill you? Buy a HAL 9000.
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

Paul Heymont ·
Well, of course Bling is right that a completely automated system wouldn't have resulted in that situation...assuming it was functioning properly (note the Westworld reference above). That's why so many systems (cruise control in your car, autopilot on a plane, driverless transit trains) all have a human override built in.
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

JohnT ·
I just don't know what to think. Does every question to a front office staff or concierge deserve a tip? How many envelopes do I need to carry for three weeks for housekeeping? If you are fortunate enough to get twice daily service do you tip both times? On my last trip because it was low season, we spoiled ourselves with a very nice hotel.... I admit more times than one desperately searching my pockets for change or (gulp) even a five Euro note... I understand that hotel staff does not make...
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Re: Where in North America is the Euro the official currency?

Paul Heymont ·
Well, here's a bit to add, about the largest place in South America where the Euro is in use: French Guiana, which is technically a part of Metropolitan France (even Presidential candidates visit to drum up the vote!). Therefore, the bridge completed in 2011 and scheduled to open for traffic next month over the Oyapock River, will be the first permanent road connection between France and Brazil! More information HERE .
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Re: Bye Bye Sky-High Rental Car Fees

GarryRF ·
My Friends lend me a Toll EZee pass. Saves so much time when you see the queues (lines) at peak time traffic !
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Re: Buenos Aires Grill: an excellent Parilla in Recoleta

IslandMan ·
very delectable post Dr F..I've heard about the Argentinian beef and it does sound and look good (apologies to all the vegetarians out there!)..
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Re: El Tigre and the Parana Delta, Argentina (Where Gumbo was #158)

GarryRF ·
Interesting blog and very educational DrF. Close to Buenos Aires - but not close enough ! I'll sharpen my pencil.
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Re: Buenos Aires, Recoleta Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar's altar

PortMoresby ·
DrF, I've never been to S. America so I'm fascinated by this one and all your pictures from BA. Please, keep them coming and I so look forward to the blogs to come.
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Re: Buenos Aires, Recoleta Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar's altar

DrFumblefinger ·
Thank you, PortMoresby. I know you would enjoy Argentina -- probably more so the smaller towns and cities than massive Buenos Aires. The journey is still new and we're in Patagonia now -- very much looking forward to seeing everything here.
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Re: Buenos Aires -- Cappucino in one of the city's many cafes

Shawnza ·
Beautiful way to start your day with beautiful adventures!
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Re: Buenos Aires -- Cappucino in one of the city's many cafes

DrFumblefinger ·
It is a great way to start a day, or to perk up an afternoon! Italians don't drink Cappucino except in the morning (they don't believe you should put milk on top of their lunchtime tomato sauce). I however, don't have that hangup, nor do the Argentinians.
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Re: Rome bars tourist buses from center

Professorabe ·
I sympathise with the authorities in Rome. On a recent visit to Berlin we found the constant stream of sight-seeing buses a real nuisance. Whether the ban might have unintended consequences, such as an increase in car traffic, is another question.
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Re: Aug 4. 2016: Delaware City. Delaware.

GarryRF ·
Delaware City has only one set of traffic lights - how's that for small ! I only get crab when visiting the family in the US. Not here in the UK. I've had crab from Delaware - Chesapeake - Rehoboth Beach (Hooters) down to Ocean City Maryland. All gorgeous and worth waiting for. I've learned to say "These are the best ever" because that's what the locals say. Best Pizza - Best Crab-cakes - Best Chilli Fries. When my son was working his way through University he worked the late shift in a...
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Re: Swindon's 7 layer traffic circle

DrFumblefinger ·
That is amazing! And I see it as a convincing argument for traffic lights. Perhaps locals know their way, but for a tourist traveling here it would be a nightmare. While the videoclip says that there are few fatal accidents, that's likely because of the low speeds involved in the roundabout. I suspect the rate of fenderbenders is extremely high. Thanks for sharing this, Jonathan.
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Re: Visiting Markets in Lima Peru

DrFumblefinger ·
A great day in Lima, Peru. The only place I've encountered even worse traffic than Lima was in Bangkok, although I'm told several Chinese cities top that. Nice piece, Jonathan, thanks!
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Re: Italian town bans barking

DrFumblefinger ·
If this ban will be enforced, it is effectively a ban on having dogs in that town, because by their nature, dogs will bark. Some do it more than others, but they all will bark sometime. You can try to control and discipline them, but that will have limited success. People love their dogs. I know that's true of me and it's true of many others. Doesn't sound like the kind of place I'd want to live in.
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Re: Spotted on the Road, Winnipeg, Canada

Jonathan L ·
I saw something like this in Beijing a few months ago, but i couldn't get a photo because of the traffic.
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.

PortMoresby ·
Later today, after I'd posted this photo, I was watching the local 6:00 news, Sacramento. A fire had started in Lincoln, NE of Sacramento, a yard full of trucks engulfed and spreading into grass, moving toward a subdivision. A spotter plane left the Grass Valley Base, flew over my house and I looked to see what it was. About 10 minutes later the news helicopter showed it arriving low over the fire to inspect it. I went out again to watch the next plane, a retardant tanker, possibly the one...
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.

PortMoresby ·
Currently estimated at 32,00 acres in size, the Butte Fire is now burning 1 mile from Mokelumne Hill. While I have no doubt the tiny town will be saved, your best view of it at the moment may be here , on TravelGumbo. More details on the CalFire site.
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Re: Madrid's Electric Bike Share Tops 50,000 Sign Ups

Paul Heymont ·
Very cool! As I contemplate getting my own bike back on the road, hills are one of the issues (aside from traffic) and I've even thought about one of these...great way to get around a city that's bicycle-friendly... I found a picture...they're like regular bikes, it seems, not like a Vespa, so probably easier to park, too.
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Re: Two Canadian airlines expand their reach

DrFumblefinger ·
The Westjet expansion is most welcome to Canadians. The planes will be opening Gatwick, which I don't think Air Canada flies to. Porter flies just small aircraft, but is very popular in the Toronto area.
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Re: Sweden, Dominican Republic get pre-clearance OK

GarryRF ·
All the extra security is just smoke and mirrors. Its made to look like the Security Services are in control of the situation. The passengers are the one's who have saved the day in previous incidents.
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Re: Germany's airlines taking up the slack

Paul Heymont ·
In a footnote to yesterday's story: Although air traffic in Germany is back to normal, air fares apparently are not. Germany's competition watchdog, the Federal Cartel Office, is investigating complaints that Lufthansa has illegally raised fares on some routes after the Air Berlin collapse. Lufthansa says that it wasn't really raising fares (which went up as much as 30%); it was just their yield management software responding to a spike in demand. In an interview, however, the head of the...
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Re: Passport Woes

George G. ·
Almost disaster. We once purchased a new Volvo back in 1991 and a trip to the factory in Goteborg Sweden to pick up the car was included. We picked up our new car and crossed via ferry into Denmark without a hitch. But at the German customs and passport control station, I was denied entry including our vehicle. I had shaved off my beard a few months prior, but my passport photo still showed the beard. The German officials kept saying that it wasn't my passport and to produce my real...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #40

DrFumblefinger ·
Mac -- there are S-o-o-o-ooo many military coups around the world on a nearly everyday basis.... But indeed, the military took control of this place recently
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Re: Is it time to regulate airplane seats? Chris Elliott thinks so!

GarryRF ·
This debate seems to accept that the profit margins of Trans-Atlantic Flights are squeezed by costs outside the carriers control. The only solution they have is squeeze more seats in to control income. Last month I paid £759 ($1245) for 1 seat UK to Philadelphia - Return - with an American Airline. 7 hours in the sky. Each way. My £759 will also get me a flight to the Caribbean from the UK. 10 hours in the sky. 14 nights in a hotel. Food and drink included. And flight back. The Caribbean...
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Re: Chicago Fire Still Holding Up Air Traffic

HistoryDigger ·
Thanks for posting. I wondered about that.
 
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