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Connecting the dots?
Author: Raine
Date: 01/04/2010 13:45:14
You know, I was going to write about Security this morning. I can't -- in looking over the numerous stories about the underwear bomber, the closing of part of Newark Airport yesterday, the disclosure that there was no 'smoking gun' and that we will be doing closer screening for people entering our country -- it is all just a bit too much for me.
I am not a fan of security theatre. We have seen far too much of that since those attacks so many years ago. Terrorism is indeed a threat to our country, there is no question about it, but at what point does this nation get real about handling it? Do we keep our citizens in a perpetual state of fear? Do we keep bombing the rest of the world? Will that ease the threat? Do we further close our borders? How much of the threat is caused by us and how much is extremism from the outside? At what point do people just stop believing the threat? I often think of the story of Chicken Little in times like these.
What do we believe and what do we dismiss? These are all the things I thought about as I attempted to write the blog this morning. I have no answers. I have questions. Many, many questions.
My main question is why, if we knew years ago about countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria being a threat to America --why are we just now giving extra screening to people entering our country from theirs? Why did this measure take so long? It seems to me this policy would have been implemented long before this administration took office.
This is one area where I have long felt needed far more scrutiny: People entering our country. Not people already living here. Why aren't we giving more screening to checked baggage as well? Whatever happened to the Ports of entry being checked? We cannot live in a bubble of safety, I know that. I also know that there can be things done to help increase our own security without making people already here guilty until proven innocent.
Oh, and I would really like someone to head the TSA. That kinda puts a chink in the chain. I don't believe in security theatre, but I do believe we can make our nation more secure by being efficient about what we do. I can't connect the dots either.
& 
Raine
I am not a fan of security theatre. We have seen far too much of that since those attacks so many years ago. Terrorism is indeed a threat to our country, there is no question about it, but at what point does this nation get real about handling it? Do we keep our citizens in a perpetual state of fear? Do we keep bombing the rest of the world? Will that ease the threat? Do we further close our borders? How much of the threat is caused by us and how much is extremism from the outside? At what point do people just stop believing the threat? I often think of the story of Chicken Little in times like these.
What do we believe and what do we dismiss? These are all the things I thought about as I attempted to write the blog this morning. I have no answers. I have questions. Many, many questions.
My main question is why, if we knew years ago about countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria being a threat to America --why are we just now giving extra screening to people entering our country from theirs? Why did this measure take so long? It seems to me this policy would have been implemented long before this administration took office.
This is one area where I have long felt needed far more scrutiny: People entering our country. Not people already living here. Why aren't we giving more screening to checked baggage as well? Whatever happened to the Ports of entry being checked? We cannot live in a bubble of safety, I know that. I also know that there can be things done to help increase our own security without making people already here guilty until proven innocent.
Oh, and I would really like someone to head the TSA. That kinda puts a chink in the chain. I don't believe in security theatre, but I do believe we can make our nation more secure by being efficient about what we do. I can't connect the dots either.
& Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:04:12
I am listening to the Steph live stream today... My laptop allows me to do that, and I must say it is jarring...
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:04:12
I am listening to the Steph live stream today... My laptop allows me to do that, and I must say it is jarring...
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 14:15:25
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:15:25
I have heard that Rush doesn't have health insurance. looking to get a confirm on that.
Comment by 
BobR on 01/04/2010 14:19:59
BobR on 01/04/2010 14:19:59
the security theatre issue is galling to me too. I like to fly - it's getting to the plane that I hate.
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 14:20:49
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:20:49
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/04/2010 14:21:00
Scoopster on 01/04/2010 14:21:00
Gooooood morning! 
And back to work, hopefully for a much more productive and profitable new year!
I would imagine Rush doesn't have health insurance through his employer.. he probably buys himself one of those platinum plans (or in his case the satin bag 'o droogies plan).
And back to work, hopefully for a much more productive and profitable new year!I would imagine Rush doesn't have health insurance through his employer.. he probably buys himself one of those platinum plans (or in his case the satin bag 'o droogies plan).
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/04/2010 14:22:41
wickedpam on 01/04/2010 14:22:41
Morning 
Happy New Year everyone
To be honest all these really invasive security measures that people are calling for and are so willing to give up their privacy for is making me now want to travel anywhere even on the company trip that I"ve only gotten to go on twice now.
Flying itself has become such an unpleasant experience that I really wonder why people haven't started taking the train more (although I know the really reason is that the travel time takes too long for some peoples tastes)
Happy New Year everyone
To be honest all these really invasive security measures that people are calling for and are so willing to give up their privacy for is making me now want to travel anywhere even on the company trip that I"ve only gotten to go on twice now.
Flying itself has become such an unpleasant experience that I really wonder why people haven't started taking the train more (although I know the really reason is that the travel time takes too long for some peoples tastes)
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 14:25:58
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:25:58
Does momma know that they have bathing places for Dogs in NY?
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 01/04/2010 14:29:28
velveeta jones on 01/04/2010 14:29:28
Great blog and much to discuss here. I wouldn't dismiss the domestic terrorist though. We have plenty of them living here. Some had access to the WH in the previous administration in my opinion.
As for flying vs trains: I would LOVE to take trains around the country. I would travel so much more if I didn't have to freakin' FLY there. I'm so sick of all the work that comes with flying.
As for flying vs trains: I would LOVE to take trains around the country. I would travel so much more if I didn't have to freakin' FLY there. I'm so sick of all the work that comes with flying.
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 14:53:28
Raine on 01/04/2010 14:53:28
I did not mean to dismiss the domestic threat here, I guess I failed to make the point very well.
We do have domestic terror... I just don't think we should be solely focusing on planes-- just look at Timothy McVeigh.
We do have domestic terror... I just don't think we should be solely focusing on planes-- just look at Timothy McVeigh.
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/04/2010 16:32:05
livingonli on 01/04/2010 16:32:05
Good morning everyone.
Did Momma comment on the cold in New York as someone who lived in California for a number of years, she probably forgot what winter was like. But then again, it is pretty damn cold here these last few days and then it is supposed to get bitter cold again this weekend. Good thing my winter beard is coming in..
All this BS with the planes makes me glad that I can't really afford to travel right now because it's not like I want to walk through those full body scans (especially when you don't have the kind of body to strut in).
Did Momma comment on the cold in New York as someone who lived in California for a number of years, she probably forgot what winter was like. But then again, it is pretty damn cold here these last few days and then it is supposed to get bitter cold again this weekend. Good thing my winter beard is coming in..
All this BS with the planes makes me glad that I can't really afford to travel right now because it's not like I want to walk through those full body scans (especially when you don't have the kind of body to strut in).
Comment by livingonli on 01/04/2010 17:08:49
livingonli on 01/04/2010 17:08:49
You would think with everyone back to normal schedules that this blog would be busier.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/04/2010 17:17:57
not really - both Bobber and Tri have fairly new work schedules so they aren't here as much during day hours so there's two of us not able to blog as much. Its end of year, end of month for me so there's stuff I gotta do. THings ebb and flow - no worries we all still catch up with each other
wickedpam on 01/04/2010 17:17:57
Quote by livingonli:
You would think with everyone back to normal schedules that this blog would be busier.
not really - both Bobber and Tri have fairly new work schedules so they aren't here as much during day hours so there's two of us not able to blog as much. Its end of year, end of month for me so there's stuff I gotta do. THings ebb and flow - no worries we all still catch up with each other
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/04/2010 17:50:26
TriSec on 01/04/2010 17:50:26
Ah, the reason I no longer travel by air.
Aviation didn't die for me on 9/11, but it was soon thereafter.
I don't remember the date, but I do recall hearing a military jet fly over the house and I ran outside to look at it, as I often do. (Yes, to this day.)
Instead of going "cool, what's he doing around here?" (see my well-documented rants about the lack of air defenses over the Northeast Corridor), I immediately ran inside to get the teevee on and check online to see what the hell was going on.
When the wonder was gone, and became replaced by the conditioned response of fear and worry....there was no aviation left for me anymore.
I'd love to take the train anywhere and everywhere. Let me know when I can get from Boston to New York (180 miles) in less than four hours, then we'll talk.
The TGV, Shinkansen, ICE, or a dozen other trains could do that distance in less than two.
I'm of the opinion that when Eisenhower decided to build interstates instead of intercity rail, he made a huge mistake that we're still paying for in terms of environment, economics, and by extension war and killing, too.
But anyway...
Aviation didn't die for me on 9/11, but it was soon thereafter.
I don't remember the date, but I do recall hearing a military jet fly over the house and I ran outside to look at it, as I often do. (Yes, to this day.)
Instead of going "cool, what's he doing around here?" (see my well-documented rants about the lack of air defenses over the Northeast Corridor), I immediately ran inside to get the teevee on and check online to see what the hell was going on.
When the wonder was gone, and became replaced by the conditioned response of fear and worry....there was no aviation left for me anymore.
I'd love to take the train anywhere and everywhere. Let me know when I can get from Boston to New York (180 miles) in less than four hours, then we'll talk.
The TGV, Shinkansen, ICE, or a dozen other trains could do that distance in less than two.
I'm of the opinion that when Eisenhower decided to build interstates instead of intercity rail, he made a huge mistake that we're still paying for in terms of environment, economics, and by extension war and killing, too.
But anyway...
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 01/04/2010 18:15:56
Will in Chicago on 01/04/2010 18:15:56
Hello, bloggers!! Excellent post, Raine!!
I have never flown, but I see the main problem as one of a lack of cooperation among intelligence agencies. I think that people are willing to put up with inconveniences but there is more that can be done to identify who should NOT board a flight to the U.S.
What we need is to have screening based on behavior -- there were warnings (payment in cash, little luggage) that should have alerted authorities a bit earlier before the Christmas day incident.
As for the GOP, I fear that their leaders have nothing to sell but fear itself.
I have never flown, but I see the main problem as one of a lack of cooperation among intelligence agencies. I think that people are willing to put up with inconveniences but there is more that can be done to identify who should NOT board a flight to the U.S.
What we need is to have screening based on behavior -- there were warnings (payment in cash, little luggage) that should have alerted authorities a bit earlier before the Christmas day incident.
As for the GOP, I fear that their leaders have nothing to sell but fear itself.
Comment by BobR on 01/04/2010 19:54:09
btw - next time you make it down to DC, this store is just down the street from us. It's mostly kiddie stuff, but there's some other neat items as well.
BobR on 01/04/2010 19:54:09
Quote by TriSec:
Ah, the reason I no longer travel by air.
Aviation didn't die for me on 9/11, but it was soon thereafter.
I don't remember the date, but I do recall hearing a military jet fly over the house and I ran outside to look at it, as I often do. (Yes, to this day.)
Instead of going "cool, what's he doing around here?" (see my well-documented rants about the lack of air defenses over the Northeast Corridor), I immediately ran inside to get the teevee on and check online to see what the hell was going on.
When the wonder was gone, and became replaced by the conditioned response of fear and worry....there was no aviation left for me anymore.
I'd love to take the train anywhere and everywhere. Let me know when I can get from Boston to New York (180 miles) in less than four hours, then we'll talk.
The TGV, Shinkansen, ICE, or a dozen other trains could do that distance in less than two.
I'm of the opinion that when Eisenhower decided to build interstates instead of intercity rail, he made a huge mistake that we're still paying for in terms of environment, economics, and by extension war and killing, too.
But anyway...
btw - next time you make it down to DC, this store is just down the street from us. It's mostly kiddie stuff, but there's some other neat items as well.
Comment by BobR on 01/04/2010 19:55:47
BobR on 01/04/2010 19:55:47
Masonic conspiracy theorist on Thom... oy 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 01/04/2010 20:30:29
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
Mondobubba on 01/04/2010 20:30:29
Quote by TriSec:
Ah, the reason I no longer travel by air.
Aviation didn't die for me on 9/11, but it was soon thereafter.
I don't remember the date, but I do recall hearing a military jet fly over the house and I ran outside to look at it, as I often do. (Yes, to this day.)
Instead of going "cool, what's he doing around here?" (see my well-documented rants about the lack of air defenses over the Northeast Corridor), I immediately ran inside to get the teevee on and check online to see what the hell was going on.
When the wonder was gone, and became replaced by the conditioned response of fear and worry....there was no aviation left for me anymore.
I'd love to take the train anywhere and everywhere. Let me know when I can get from Boston to New York (180 miles) in less than four hours, then we'll talk.
The TGV, Shinkansen, ICE, or a dozen other trains could do that distance in less than two.
I'm of the opinion that when Eisenhower decided to build interstates instead of intercity rail, he made a huge mistake that we're still paying for in terms of environment, economics, and by extension war and killing, too.
But anyway...
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/04/2010 20:50:26
Mondobubba on 01/04/2010 20:50:26
Tri, I have often wondered why you have let the Fear ruin aviation for you. You are not defining things on your own terms, but the terms outside of you. Seriously. Think about it, you have let external forces take away something brings you joy and wonder.
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 20:51:54
Raine on 01/04/2010 20:51:54
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
A package arrived !!!
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 20:56:16
I would agree with Tri regarding the environment.
I think we underestimated big oil. I also think we should have continued to use rails as a way to transport people.
The failure of the interstate system was that we stopped building our railways.
Raine on 01/04/2010 20:56:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
I would agree with Tri regarding the environment.
I think we underestimated big oil. I also think we should have continued to use rails as a way to transport people.
The failure of the interstate system was that we stopped building our railways.
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 20:58:35
If I could speak for myself -- it isn't fear. It is the aggravation.
I would say the joy has been sucked away.
Raine on 01/04/2010 20:58:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, I have often wondered why you have let the Fear ruin aviation for you. You are not defining things on your own terms, but the terms outside of you. Seriously. Think about it, you have let external forces take away something brings you joy and wonder.
I would say the joy has been sucked away.
Comment by 
clintster on 01/04/2010 21:04:25
clintster on 01/04/2010 21:04:25
Raine-o, Bobber, check your WaPo from last week, cause there's a heapin' helpin' of AWESOME in it, in the form of a Gene Weingarten column.
(in case you can't locate it, here's a link)
(in case you can't locate it, here's a link)
Comment by Scoopster on 01/04/2010 21:05:01
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Scoopster on 01/04/2010 21:05:01
Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Comment by TriSec on 01/04/2010 21:25:41
I'd say that hits it on the head. Standing on the ground watching the stuff fly around is still good for me. But I anticipate I'll never fly on a commercial airliner again. I loved that so much growing up; heading to Florida to see Grandma and Grandpa every April was such a big deal. Now....well, I'm a criminal and I give up my fourth ammendment rights simply because I want to exercise my right as an American to travel. Remember when the shoe bomber thing happened, we all joked that it's a good thing it wasn't the underwear bomber. Well, now that's happened and we're getting the naked scanners at Logan.
No thanks.
Regarding trains:
Maybe the military deployment thing was important in the 50s when the Interstates were developed, but just about everything goes by ship or by air these days. And our cargo rail system is the envy of the world; I can put something in a shipping container and get it anywhere in the US for pennies on the dollar. (I read once that sending one ton of something one mile by rail costs one penny; don't know if that's true anymore) If we can ship oranges from California to Boston quickly and efficiently, why can't we send people just as easily?
I often wondered why someone hasn't developed a self-contained passenger unit in a shipping container. Put it on a train, and off you go!
TriSec on 01/04/2010 21:25:41
Quote by Raine:
If I could speak for myself -- it isn't fear. It is the aggravation.
I would say the joy has been sucked away.
I'd say that hits it on the head. Standing on the ground watching the stuff fly around is still good for me. But I anticipate I'll never fly on a commercial airliner again. I loved that so much growing up; heading to Florida to see Grandma and Grandpa every April was such a big deal. Now....well, I'm a criminal and I give up my fourth ammendment rights simply because I want to exercise my right as an American to travel. Remember when the shoe bomber thing happened, we all joked that it's a good thing it wasn't the underwear bomber. Well, now that's happened and we're getting the naked scanners at Logan.
No thanks.
Regarding trains:
Maybe the military deployment thing was important in the 50s when the Interstates were developed, but just about everything goes by ship or by air these days. And our cargo rail system is the envy of the world; I can put something in a shipping container and get it anywhere in the US for pennies on the dollar. (I read once that sending one ton of something one mile by rail costs one penny; don't know if that's true anymore) If we can ship oranges from California to Boston quickly and efficiently, why can't we send people just as easily?
I often wondered why someone hasn't developed a self-contained passenger unit in a shipping container. Put it on a train, and off you go!
Comment by BobR on 01/04/2010 21:37:23
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
BobR on 01/04/2010 21:37:23
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 21:43:34
and you!
Raine on 01/04/2010 21:43:34
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
Comment by livingonli on 01/04/2010 22:07:43
I've heard the Vegas airport has what Logan got just in time for CES. This latest attempts to make flying an inconvenience (as if the nickel and dime-ing over luggage wasn't enough.). I guess the only consolation over my tight budget these days is that I can't afford to really fly right now. It looks like I may have to settle for Atlantic City over Las Vegas if I decide to take a summer jaunt.
Listening to Randi's rant on Comcast at the start of her show makes me glad I don't have them, they have such a negative reputation that is well earned for poor service and such. Not that Cablevision has such a great rep either, but in many ways they do a few things better than Comcast. They just need to get on their butt and add some channels like BBC America and NFL Network. If I were to move to DC, I would most likely go with FiOS or maybe back to satellite if that's an option.
livingonli on 01/04/2010 22:07:43
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
If I could speak for myself -- it isn't fear. It is the aggravation.
I would say the joy has been sucked away.
I'd say that hits it on the head. Standing on the ground watching the stuff fly around is still good for me. But I anticipate I'll never fly on a commercial airliner again. I loved that so much growing up; heading to Florida to see Grandma and Grandpa every April was such a big deal. Now....well, I'm a criminal and I give up my fourth ammendment rights simply because I want to exercise my right as an American to travel. Remember when the shoe bomber thing happened, we all joked that it's a good thing it wasn't the underwear bomber. Well, now that's happened and we're getting the naked scanners at Logan.
No thanks.
Regarding trains:
Maybe the military deployment thing was important in the 50s when the Interstates were developed, but just about everything goes by ship or by air these days. And our cargo rail system is the envy of the world; I can put something in a shipping container and get it anywhere in the US for pennies on the dollar. (I read once that sending one ton of something one mile by rail costs one penny; don't know if that's true anymore) If we can ship oranges from California to Boston quickly and efficiently, why can't we send people just as easily?
I often wondered why someone hasn't developed a self-contained passenger unit in a shipping container. Put it on a train, and off you go!
I've heard the Vegas airport has what Logan got just in time for CES. This latest attempts to make flying an inconvenience (as if the nickel and dime-ing over luggage wasn't enough.). I guess the only consolation over my tight budget these days is that I can't afford to really fly right now. It looks like I may have to settle for Atlantic City over Las Vegas if I decide to take a summer jaunt.
Listening to Randi's rant on Comcast at the start of her show makes me glad I don't have them, they have such a negative reputation that is well earned for poor service and such. Not that Cablevision has such a great rep either, but in many ways they do a few things better than Comcast. They just need to get on their butt and add some channels like BBC America and NFL Network. If I were to move to DC, I would most likely go with FiOS or maybe back to satellite if that's an option.
Comment by Raine on 01/04/2010 22:43:03
We haven't had a real problem with Comcast. I hate the interface that they use. It was so much better looking in Atlanta and easier to use.
They showed up on time for hookup and they were great when we added to the service. For all the complaints about Comcast, so far -- I am not displeased.
Raine on 01/04/2010 22:43:03
Quote by livingonli:
I've heard the Vegas airport has what Logan got just in time for CES. This latest attempts to make flying an inconvenience (as if the nickel and dime-ing over luggage wasn't enough.). I guess the only consolation over my tight budget these days is that I can't afford to really fly right now. It looks like I may have to settle for Atlantic City over Las Vegas if I decide to take a summer jaunt.
Listening to Randi's rant on Comcast at the start of her show makes me glad I don't have them, they have such a negative reputation that is well earned for poor service and such. Not that Cablevision has such a great rep either, but in many ways they do a few things better than Comcast. They just need to get on their butt and add some channels like BBC America and NFL Network. If I were to move to DC, I would most likely go with FiOS or maybe back to satellite if that's an option.
We haven't had a real problem with Comcast. I hate the interface that they use. It was so much better looking in Atlanta and easier to use.
They showed up on time for hookup and they were great when we added to the service. For all the complaints about Comcast, so far -- I am not displeased.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/05/2010 00:11:51
I didn't open mine yet cuz I wanted to wait until my gift got there..
Scoopster on 01/05/2010 00:11:51
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
I didn't open mine yet cuz I wanted to wait until my gift got there..
Comment by Scoopster on 01/05/2010 00:20:21
My history with Comcast was so long ago I barely remember it (when I was growing up they bought out the local cable provider).. but the thing that really is starting to worry me is the subscriber fee tiff between Comcast and Direct TV. What happens when Comcast pulls the same shit with their recent acquisition of NBC Universal that they did with Versus? Either I and millions of DTV subscribers lose a large chunk of channels, or our monthly bills go up A LOT. How can they get away with having that kind of quasi-monopoly power over something as important as mass media?
Scoopster on 01/05/2010 00:20:21
Quote by livingonli:
Listening to Randi's rant on Comcast at the start of her show makes me glad I don't have them, they have such a negative reputation that is well earned for poor service and such. Not that Cablevision has such a great rep either, but in many ways they do a few things better than Comcast. They just need to get on their butt and add some channels like BBC America and NFL Network. If I were to move to DC, I would most likely go with FiOS or maybe back to satellite if that's an option.
My history with Comcast was so long ago I barely remember it (when I was growing up they bought out the local cable provider).. but the thing that really is starting to worry me is the subscriber fee tiff between Comcast and Direct TV. What happens when Comcast pulls the same shit with their recent acquisition of NBC Universal that they did with Versus? Either I and millions of DTV subscribers lose a large chunk of channels, or our monthly bills go up A LOT. How can they get away with having that kind of quasi-monopoly power over something as important as mass media?
Comment by livingonli on 01/05/2010 01:28:07
As I am noticing, these fights between programmers and programming might becoming more common as the programmers are ramping up the cost of the channels because advertising revenue and the existing subscriber fees are not bringing in enough money. The almost dispute between Fox and Time Warner was mostly over the fact that Fox now wanted payment for the broadcast signals that traditionally were free. The programmers feel they need to offset the costs by raising the per subscriber fees which is now extending beyond sport services which have been traditionally the most expensive non-premium channels on cable. Fox jacked up the rates considerably for Faux News figuring that the idiots who buy the right-wing BS would protest en masse if the channel was pulled and now Cablevision here is even in a fight with Scripps over the cost of HGTV and Food Network which as I am finding out can upset people as much as if a sports service or broadcast station was pulled from a providers' lineup.
livingonli on 01/05/2010 01:28:07
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by livingonli:
Listening to Randi's rant on Comcast at the start of her show makes me glad I don't have them, they have such a negative reputation that is well earned for poor service and such. Not that Cablevision has such a great rep either, but in many ways they do a few things better than Comcast. They just need to get on their butt and add some channels like BBC America and NFL Network. If I were to move to DC, I would most likely go with FiOS or maybe back to satellite if that's an option.
My history with Comcast was so long ago I barely remember it (when I was growing up they bought out the local cable provider).. but the thing that really is starting to worry me is the subscriber fee tiff between Comcast and Direct TV. What happens when Comcast pulls the same shit with their recent acquisition of NBC Universal that they did with Versus? Either I and millions of DTV subscribers lose a large chunk of channels, or our monthly bills go up A LOT. How can they get away with having that kind of quasi-monopoly power over something as important as mass media?
As I am noticing, these fights between programmers and programming might becoming more common as the programmers are ramping up the cost of the channels because advertising revenue and the existing subscriber fees are not bringing in enough money. The almost dispute between Fox and Time Warner was mostly over the fact that Fox now wanted payment for the broadcast signals that traditionally were free. The programmers feel they need to offset the costs by raising the per subscriber fees which is now extending beyond sport services which have been traditionally the most expensive non-premium channels on cable. Fox jacked up the rates considerably for Faux News figuring that the idiots who buy the right-wing BS would protest en masse if the channel was pulled and now Cablevision here is even in a fight with Scripps over the cost of HGTV and Food Network which as I am finding out can upset people as much as if a sports service or broadcast station was pulled from a providers' lineup.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/05/2010 01:35:08
Trains run on diesel fuel. Have any of you taken a train outside the northeast corridor? I have, it sucked. I traveled from DC to Wilson NC. The train left Union Station late. At each stop it lost even more time, the seats were uncomfortable, the food awful and expensive. The roadbed was so poorly maintained that the train managed a blistering 40-45 mph. Wilson is still over an hour from where my parents live. So they had to make the drive to pick me up. It was an unpleasant experience.
I think the reason why passenger train service outside the NE is so sucky is because of where people live and where trains go to and from. People live in suburbs that aren't convenient to train stations; those are in urban centers many of them in crappy parts of town. When I took the train it was before the renovation of Union Station had gotten started, it was a run down shit hole. It is much simpler to get in the car and go.
When gas was .30 cents a gallon and the supply seemed unlimited cars and highways made a lot of sense. Now that gas is creeping up to $3.00 a gallon again and issues about supply and the fixed nature of oil more real, not so much.
I would love to see better passenger rail service in the US. It makes more sense than driving from say Jacksonville to Tampa. Or New York to Boston. Or New York to Washington. Or Chicago to Milwaukee. I could go on. Flying from Jacksonville to Atlanta is just dumb. You can almost drive to Atlanta in the time it take to get to the airport, park get through security etc.
Mondobubba on 01/05/2010 01:35:08
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
I would agree with Tri regarding the environment.
I think we underestimated big oil. I also think we should have continued to use rails as a way to transport people.
The failure of the interstate system was that we stopped building our railways.
Trains run on diesel fuel. Have any of you taken a train outside the northeast corridor? I have, it sucked. I traveled from DC to Wilson NC. The train left Union Station late. At each stop it lost even more time, the seats were uncomfortable, the food awful and expensive. The roadbed was so poorly maintained that the train managed a blistering 40-45 mph. Wilson is still over an hour from where my parents live. So they had to make the drive to pick me up. It was an unpleasant experience.
I think the reason why passenger train service outside the NE is so sucky is because of where people live and where trains go to and from. People live in suburbs that aren't convenient to train stations; those are in urban centers many of them in crappy parts of town. When I took the train it was before the renovation of Union Station had gotten started, it was a run down shit hole. It is much simpler to get in the car and go.
When gas was .30 cents a gallon and the supply seemed unlimited cars and highways made a lot of sense. Now that gas is creeping up to $3.00 a gallon again and issues about supply and the fixed nature of oil more real, not so much.
I would love to see better passenger rail service in the US. It makes more sense than driving from say Jacksonville to Tampa. Or New York to Boston. Or New York to Washington. Or Chicago to Milwaukee. I could go on. Flying from Jacksonville to Atlanta is just dumb. You can almost drive to Atlanta in the time it take to get to the airport, park get through security etc.
Comment by BobR on 01/05/2010 02:03:38
The gift from RI has been opened, and it is delicious! Almond poind cake with lemon curd. Amazing....
Thanks!
BobR on 01/05/2010 02:03:38
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
The gift from RI has been opened, and it is delicious! Almond poind cake with lemon curd. Amazing....
Thanks!
Comment by BobR on 01/05/2010 02:18:39
Some trains run on diesel and some are electric. Even the diesel trains are technically electric trains with the diesel engines in place to provide electricity (the same technology as hybrids). They get amazing gas mileage.
I would say that reburbing the train infrastructure would go a LONG way towards making train travel more pleasant. I've taken the train from Paris to London, and it was comfortable, fun, fast, and reasonable in price. It's just a matter of making this a priority.
It's a given that the suburb issue cannot be fixed with train travel. That said - those in the suburbs need to drive to the airport as well, so if the train experience was pleasant, affordable, and got there in a reasonable amount of time, I think people would have no problem trading a plane for a train.
BobR on 01/05/2010 02:18:39
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
I would agree with Tri regarding the environment.
I think we underestimated big oil. I also think we should have continued to use rails as a way to transport people.
The failure of the interstate system was that we stopped building our railways.
Trains run on diesel fuel. Have any of you taken a train outside the northeast corridor? I have, it sucked. I traveled from DC to Wilson NC. The train left Union Station late. At each stop it lost even more time, the seats were uncomfortable, the food awful and expensive. The roadbed was so poorly maintained that the train managed a blistering 40-45 mph. Wilson is still over an hour from where my parents live. So they had to make the drive to pick me up. It was an unpleasant experience.
I think the reason why passenger train service outside the NE is so sucky is because of where people live and where trains go to and from. People live in suburbs that aren't convenient to train stations; those are in urban centers many of them in crappy parts of town. When I took the train it was before the renovation of Union Station had gotten started, it was a run down shit hole. It is much simpler to get in the car and go.
When gas was .30 cents a gallon and the supply seemed unlimited cars and highways made a lot of sense. Now that gas is creeping up to $3.00 a gallon again and issues about supply and the fixed nature of oil more real, not so much.
I would love to see better passenger rail service in the US. It makes more sense than driving from say Jacksonville to Tampa. Or New York to Boston. Or New York to Washington. Or Chicago to Milwaukee. I could go on. Flying from Jacksonville to Atlanta is just dumb. You can almost drive to Atlanta in the time it take to get to the airport, park get through security etc.
Some trains run on diesel and some are electric. Even the diesel trains are technically electric trains with the diesel engines in place to provide electricity (the same technology as hybrids). They get amazing gas mileage.
I would say that reburbing the train infrastructure would go a LONG way towards making train travel more pleasant. I've taken the train from Paris to London, and it was comfortable, fun, fast, and reasonable in price. It's just a matter of making this a priority.
It's a given that the suburb issue cannot be fixed with train travel. That said - those in the suburbs need to drive to the airport as well, so if the train experience was pleasant, affordable, and got there in a reasonable amount of time, I think people would have no problem trading a plane for a train.
Comment by Raine on 01/05/2010 02:25:47
OPEN!!!
Raine on 01/05/2010 02:25:47
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
I didn't open mine yet cuz I wanted to wait until my gift got there..
OPEN!!!
Comment by Scoopster on 01/05/2010 02:38:23
Ooooooooh yummy yum cookies in a peace van! These should help take the edge off the cough medicine!
Go figure after all the holidays & days off now I get sick.
Scoopster on 01/05/2010 02:38:23
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOOP!!!!
A package arrived !!!
OMG IT'S ABOOT TIEM!
Has everyone else already opened their Blogger Joe gifts? I know most people did, but I wasn't sure about Mala, TriSec, and Scoop...
I didn't open mine yet cuz I wanted to wait until my gift got there..
OPEN!!!
Ooooooooh yummy yum cookies in a peace van! These should help take the edge off the cough medicine!
Go figure after all the holidays & days off now I get sick.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/05/2010 04:16:37
That is the key part, Bob. It has to be affordable. It doesn't need to be all super fast bullet trains either, just upgrade and maintain the damn roadbed so a train can get to 60 or 70 mph and stay there.
Mondobubba on 01/05/2010 04:16:37
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
You can't deploy military hardware rapidly by train, Tri. It's that intermodal thing. Just sayin'. I would say that the Interstate Highway System is good example of government working real well.
I would agree with Tri regarding the environment.
I think we underestimated big oil. I also think we should have continued to use rails as a way to transport people.
The failure of the interstate system was that we stopped building our railways.
Trains run on diesel fuel. Have any of you taken a train outside the northeast corridor? I have, it sucked. I traveled from DC to Wilson NC. The train left Union Station late. At each stop it lost even more time, the seats were uncomfortable, the food awful and expensive. The roadbed was so poorly maintained that the train managed a blistering 40-45 mph. Wilson is still over an hour from where my parents live. So they had to make the drive to pick me up. It was an unpleasant experience.
I think the reason why passenger train service outside the NE is so sucky is because of where people live and where trains go to and from. People live in suburbs that aren't convenient to train stations; those are in urban centers many of them in crappy parts of town. When I took the train it was before the renovation of Union Station had gotten started, it was a run down shit hole. It is much simpler to get in the car and go.
When gas was .30 cents a gallon and the supply seemed unlimited cars and highways made a lot of sense. Now that gas is creeping up to $3.00 a gallon again and issues about supply and the fixed nature of oil more real, not so much.
I would love to see better passenger rail service in the US. It makes more sense than driving from say Jacksonville to Tampa. Or New York to Boston. Or New York to Washington. Or Chicago to Milwaukee. I could go on. Flying from Jacksonville to Atlanta is just dumb. You can almost drive to Atlanta in the time it take to get to the airport, park get through security etc.
Some trains run on diesel and some are electric. Even the diesel trains are technically electric trains with the diesel engines in place to provide electricity (the same technology as hybrids). They get amazing gas mileage.
I would say that reburbing the train infrastructure would go a LONG way towards making train travel more pleasant. I've taken the train from Paris to London, and it was comfortable, fun, fast, and reasonable in price. It's just a matter of making this a priority.
It's a given that the suburb issue cannot be fixed with train travel. That said - those in the suburbs need to drive to the airport as well, so if the train experience was pleasant, affordable, and got there in a reasonable amount of time, I think people would have no problem trading a plane for a train.
That is the key part, Bob. It has to be affordable. It doesn't need to be all super fast bullet trains either, just upgrade and maintain the damn roadbed so a train can get to 60 or 70 mph and stay there.