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Large scale accidents, especially in the US, are extremely rare because, against all corporate odds and political shenanigans, the FAA actually does a pretty decent job of enforcing safety standards. Together with the NTSB, we've wrung just about all risk out of flying. There are always going...

There's a lot of history behind the various 737 designs, but a major factor is having a standard type rating across airframes. A type rating shows that a pilot has been carefully trained, tested, and kept current on all aspects of flying that particular aircraft. Maintaining pilot type ratings...

It's the time of year when I try to persuade my spouse to do a February Canadian run. Usually early to midwinter there are some "distressed inventory" deals, but nothing at the moment. Does anyone have an update on when/if they might be offered again? The standard "discount" fare is $2k per...

The movie "Don't Look Up" was barely worth viewing, but it had a great Musk imitation and a very appropriate ending... https://www.netflix.com/title/81252357

And an amazingly fast turn in Brunswick. I don't think the train was stopped 10 minutes. Got off, walked the length of the platform and back, and jumped right back on the same business class car. New crew, though. They barely had time to turn the business class seats around. In the coaches...

And speaking of the Downeaster, here I am doing a Boston North/Brunswick round trip just for the heck of it. I've done Old Orchard, Portland and Freeport round day trips, and one way to Brunswick, but never the full loop. Just a tiny pile of points and I'm in Business Class enjoying my free...

I have a Senior Charlie Card. Half price almost everything.

Interesting way to look at it. Heck, sitting in a roomette and watching the world go by is worth $24 an hour to me.

Thomas the Tank Engine lives in several alternate realities. See the "Bard" post above.

I thought that would be a good test of Google's AI, called Bard. I think Google nailed it. Hopefully this is loadable: https://bard.google.com/chat/ff16eb1a10607605

Another local news story with a bit more info about the Downeaster and especially the Rockland extension. https://www.pressherald.com/2023/12/11/brunswick-rockland-downeaster-extension-eyed-with-federal-grant/ The article says that "Amtrak" now owns the Brunswick-Rockland line. Is that...

Nah, probably just paying a person to stand at the entrance of North Station and give you directions :cool: But back to the Downeaster, I should have remembered about Portland. For some reason I was thinking it was some minor stop. Having a stop you have to reverse out of it is just so Amtrak...

Yes, but then I'd have to see if the return train would stop if I stood and waved and looked pathetic. A thousand years ago in the era of paper tickets, we made a teletype reservation months ahead for a small town in Utah. We were standing by an abandoned depot and the train stopped. The...

You'd think I'd remember this, but isn't there a station on the Downeaster where the train has to backup a mile or so to get in or out of the station? Any way track can be laid to prevent this?

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/me/maine/news/2023/12/08/federal-funds-coming-to-maine-to-improve-downeaster-rail-service Article about increased Downeaster funding. Doesn't say much except for "track improvements" but presume details to follow.

Great trip report and photos. I've been on the Downeaster many times, made me feel like I was there! Just wish they would stop at Old Orchard Beach year round, at least make it a flag stop...

I haven't tried recently, but I've bought tickets for unaccompanied friends many times in the past. I just did an experiment, making a points booking for my friend "Roger Worthless". There are two steps that might be confusing. First, it prefilled my info, and I had to erase it. Later, it...

I just skimmed the storied above, but it seems like Carnival was just addressing passengers that accused valid, licensed service dogs of not being legitimate because they were performing a function other than assisting with sight. In general, the airlines have really cleaned up the service dog...

Great reports and pictures, thanks! Frances is starting to think about doing the Canadian in February, when it is getting a bit lighter...

Not exactly news... MBTA says it needs at least $24.5 billion to repair its troubled system - The Boston Globe