http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/25/4004897/behind-the-battle-for-clt.html#emlnl=Todays_Headlines
The airport is on course for tough decisions, real tough decisions The political moves for control of Charlotte's airport (CLT) has all of the making of a political thriller with a potential Department of Transportation regulator potentially beholden to an airline he would regulate; one party seeking to wrest control of a facility controlled by the other party; and most customers of CLT never stepping foot out of the gate areas. Although Mayor Foxx thinks an airport study to be fair, it was the result of a study by a former US Airways executive.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Canadian authorities arrest two for plotting attack on VIA Rail - TRAINS Magazine
Canadian authorities arrest two for plotting attack on VIA Rail - TRAINS Magazine
Item by Mark Carolla, free-lance correspondent for Trains Magazine and advisor to Edna Chirico, Green Moose Consulting. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police break up an alleged terrorist ring targeting VIA Rail in Ontario. US sources report it to be the joint Amtrak-VIA Rail Maple Leaf running from Toronto to New York.
Item by Mark Carolla, free-lance correspondent for Trains Magazine and advisor to Edna Chirico, Green Moose Consulting. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police break up an alleged terrorist ring targeting VIA Rail in Ontario. US sources report it to be the joint Amtrak-VIA Rail Maple Leaf running from Toronto to New York.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Chavez's Legacy: Venezuela Split
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelans-are-polarized-in-post-election-crisis/2013/04/18/195db388-a799-11e2-9e1c-bb0fb0c2edd9_story_1.html#
El "Comandante" Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela like an old-fashioned caudillo with the support of Cuba and Iran and the entire clown alley of "anti-imperialists." Although lacking in the brutality of the Dominican Republic's Trujillo, he rivaled Mussolini's buffonery; and he pandered to the poor (made that way, admittedly by the excesses of Venezuela's upper one per cent) with free appliances and scholarships and turned his country into an economic basket case where crime is rampant; there is 25 cent per gallon gasoline but there are frequent power shortages. Chavez, the socialist, didn't learn the adage of Vladimir Illyich Ulyanov (aka Lenin) that "Communism is Soviet Power plus Electrification of the Entire Country." By badgering the free press and rigging elections Chavez and now Maduro might be achieving "Soviet Power" but the only thing that is being "electrified" is division between the haves and have nots.
Why is this important to Charlotte? Because Venezuela is one of our larger trading partners; is culturally significant; and Chavez could be imitated by other "anti-imperialist" fake democrats in the Hemisphere. One thing about democracy that isn't tempered by such institutions as the US Electoral College: It can be one person, one vote, one time.
Disclaimer: I studied at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington the year el Comandante got elected and some Venezuelan heroes and patriots were my classmates and dear friends (including one who became Chavez's Chief of Naval Operations) - Mark Carolla
El "Comandante" Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela like an old-fashioned caudillo with the support of Cuba and Iran and the entire clown alley of "anti-imperialists." Although lacking in the brutality of the Dominican Republic's Trujillo, he rivaled Mussolini's buffonery; and he pandered to the poor (made that way, admittedly by the excesses of Venezuela's upper one per cent) with free appliances and scholarships and turned his country into an economic basket case where crime is rampant; there is 25 cent per gallon gasoline but there are frequent power shortages. Chavez, the socialist, didn't learn the adage of Vladimir Illyich Ulyanov (aka Lenin) that "Communism is Soviet Power plus Electrification of the Entire Country." By badgering the free press and rigging elections Chavez and now Maduro might be achieving "Soviet Power" but the only thing that is being "electrified" is division between the haves and have nots.
Why is this important to Charlotte? Because Venezuela is one of our larger trading partners; is culturally significant; and Chavez could be imitated by other "anti-imperialist" fake democrats in the Hemisphere. One thing about democracy that isn't tempered by such institutions as the US Electoral College: It can be one person, one vote, one time.
Disclaimer: I studied at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington the year el Comandante got elected and some Venezuelan heroes and patriots were my classmates and dear friends (including one who became Chavez's Chief of Naval Operations) - Mark Carolla
Auburn University's aviation program in jeopardy - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
Auburn University's aviation program in jeopardy - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
This item demonstrates one STEM education issue. Willing students but a paucity of programs and paths to jobs. This university has a nationally known program...and yet is willing to let it wither away. It would be interesting to see what is invested onthe football team.
This item demonstrates one STEM education issue. Willing students but a paucity of programs and paths to jobs. This university has a nationally known program...and yet is willing to let it wither away. It would be interesting to see what is invested onthe football team.
Sustainable Agriculture in the Heart of Connecticut Industry
http://www.massarofarm.org/wp/
In New England - here is a "Green" place worth visiting - Massaro Community Farm. Connecticut, although in the Northeast Corridor "Megalopolis" is actually a "Green" State in that about a third of it is still wooded - and when you fly over it at 35,000 feet it certainly is green. Massaro Community Farm is a non profit, certified organic farm on a 57 acre parcel of land operated collaboratively between the Town of Woodbridge, Connecticut and a Board of Directors comprised of local citizens. The property was deeded to the town by the Massaro Family, who had farmed the land since 1916. The farm operation includes a 150-member CSA,* and a series of education and family-related events throughout the year. The organization's vision is to enhance the quality of life for generations to come.
*What the heck is a CSA? Community-Supported Agriculture or CSA, has become a very popular food system consumer participates in the farming life by offsetting the capital investment required of the farmer and sharing the risk as well as the food with other participating subscribers. Each week during the season, subscribers receive a bag or two of freshly-picked seasonal farm goods.
In New England - here is a "Green" place worth visiting - Massaro Community Farm. Connecticut, although in the Northeast Corridor "Megalopolis" is actually a "Green" State in that about a third of it is still wooded - and when you fly over it at 35,000 feet it certainly is green. Massaro Community Farm is a non profit, certified organic farm on a 57 acre parcel of land operated collaboratively between the Town of Woodbridge, Connecticut and a Board of Directors comprised of local citizens. The property was deeded to the town by the Massaro Family, who had farmed the land since 1916. The farm operation includes a 150-member CSA,* and a series of education and family-related events throughout the year. The organization's vision is to enhance the quality of life for generations to come.
*What the heck is a CSA? Community-Supported Agriculture or CSA, has become a very popular food system consumer participates in the farming life by offsetting the capital investment required of the farmer and sharing the risk as well as the food with other participating subscribers. Each week during the season, subscribers receive a bag or two of freshly-picked seasonal farm goods.
Security on LYNX
Security Built into LYNX Plans and Operations
The Charlotte LYNX has security plans and mitigation efforts incorporated into its planning as this study shows.http://www.rideonnews.com/deis/Chapter%2016%20-%20Safety%20and%20Security.pdf
It can be expected in the wake of the terrorist attack in Boston that questions will be raised about the safety and security of LYNX light rail. The Queen City needn't be complacent but there are security operating procedures in place and being improved. Exact details can't be divulged - to keep the bad guys guessing.
The Charlotte LYNX has security plans and mitigation efforts incorporated into its planning as this study shows.http://www.rideonnews.com/deis/Chapter%2016%20-%20Safety%20and%20Security.pdf
It can be expected in the wake of the terrorist attack in Boston that questions will be raised about the safety and security of LYNX light rail. The Queen City needn't be complacent but there are security operating procedures in place and being improved. Exact details can't be divulged - to keep the bad guys guessing.
Hotel Security after Boston - and Mumbai
This item is from Travel Agent Central:
Trend Watch – As Suspects in Boston Bombings Surface, What's Next for Travel Security?
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/trends-research/trend-watch-suspects-boston-bombings-surface-whats-next-travel-security-40155
April 17, 2013
By: Adam Leposa
The LA Times and Associated Press are reporting that police have identified possible suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. But as the investigation continues, what will this event mean for the future of travel security? Travel Agent caught up with Todd Seiders, director of risk management at Petra Risk Solutions and former director of loss prevention at Marriott, on how hotels and public events can work to increase traveler safety in the future. “The Boston Marathon bombing is just another example of how hard it is to secure public places and events,” Seiders says. “According to the news, bomb dogs had swept the finish line area 1 hour prior to the start of the marathon. So obviously police did everything they could to secure the area, and the bombs were brought in during the event.” Because of the nature of their business, implementing TSA-style security measures at hotels would not be a good idea, Seiders says. “They would have to limit the entry into their buildings, search bags, confirm you have business there and inconvenience everyone. The general public will not stand for that (look at the continuing uproar about the TSA at airports).” Complicating the issue is the fact that hotel staff members are, by and large, trained to please potential guests, which can render them vulnerable to security threats. “There is a constant clash between hotel security experts and seasoned hotel management people, whose pay and bonuses depend on guest satisfaction surveys and comments,” Seiders continues. “Hotel security experts need to find more guest friendly ways to provide security, and hotel managers need to take security more seriously. A large number of hotels do not have a dedicated security staff, so security falls on the guest service staff, and guest service staff is trained never to say no or to offend or interfere with the guest experience.” Seiders recommends hotels install HD cameras to monitor open public spaces, exits and entrances, both to deter crime and to aid investigation should one occur. Staff should be trained to pick up and investigate unattended bags or luggage, and hotels should work closely with their local police of sheriff department, along with Homeland Security, to discuss security and terrorism. “Hotel staff is scared to death that if they upset a guest and have a complaint, they will always get in trouble,” Seiders says. “This prevents hotel staff from acting in a security role and questioning suspicious behavior. Attitudes about hotel security need to change all around.”
Mark’s Comment: What goes for public transportation "see something, say something" goes for the hotel and hospitality industry too. In a free democracy that is not living in terror of the terrorists, citizens have to be trained to be aware of their surroundings and not depend on others to look out for them except at the macro national or regional law enforcement level. Certainly unattended luggage will continue to be problematic in a hotel lobby, for instance, but left items not entrusted to a bell hop should certainly be reported; or if spotted by staff placed in a secure area as a "customer service." Random patrols of major hotel lobbies by alert, courteous and well-armed law enforcement could provide a sense of security to travelers and serve to deter terrorists. Also, good customer service should not deter service staff or front desks from alerting security to suspicious behavior without confronting a guest.
Trend Watch – As Suspects in Boston Bombings Surface, What's Next for Travel Security?
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/trends-research/trend-watch-suspects-boston-bombings-surface-whats-next-travel-security-40155
April 17, 2013
By: Adam Leposa
The LA Times and Associated Press are reporting that police have identified possible suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. But as the investigation continues, what will this event mean for the future of travel security? Travel Agent caught up with Todd Seiders, director of risk management at Petra Risk Solutions and former director of loss prevention at Marriott, on how hotels and public events can work to increase traveler safety in the future. “The Boston Marathon bombing is just another example of how hard it is to secure public places and events,” Seiders says. “According to the news, bomb dogs had swept the finish line area 1 hour prior to the start of the marathon. So obviously police did everything they could to secure the area, and the bombs were brought in during the event.” Because of the nature of their business, implementing TSA-style security measures at hotels would not be a good idea, Seiders says. “They would have to limit the entry into their buildings, search bags, confirm you have business there and inconvenience everyone. The general public will not stand for that (look at the continuing uproar about the TSA at airports).” Complicating the issue is the fact that hotel staff members are, by and large, trained to please potential guests, which can render them vulnerable to security threats. “There is a constant clash between hotel security experts and seasoned hotel management people, whose pay and bonuses depend on guest satisfaction surveys and comments,” Seiders continues. “Hotel security experts need to find more guest friendly ways to provide security, and hotel managers need to take security more seriously. A large number of hotels do not have a dedicated security staff, so security falls on the guest service staff, and guest service staff is trained never to say no or to offend or interfere with the guest experience.” Seiders recommends hotels install HD cameras to monitor open public spaces, exits and entrances, both to deter crime and to aid investigation should one occur. Staff should be trained to pick up and investigate unattended bags or luggage, and hotels should work closely with their local police of sheriff department, along with Homeland Security, to discuss security and terrorism. “Hotel staff is scared to death that if they upset a guest and have a complaint, they will always get in trouble,” Seiders says. “This prevents hotel staff from acting in a security role and questioning suspicious behavior. Attitudes about hotel security need to change all around.”
Mark’s Comment: What goes for public transportation "see something, say something" goes for the hotel and hospitality industry too. In a free democracy that is not living in terror of the terrorists, citizens have to be trained to be aware of their surroundings and not depend on others to look out for them except at the macro national or regional law enforcement level. Certainly unattended luggage will continue to be problematic in a hotel lobby, for instance, but left items not entrusted to a bell hop should certainly be reported; or if spotted by staff placed in a secure area as a "customer service." Random patrols of major hotel lobbies by alert, courteous and well-armed law enforcement could provide a sense of security to travelers and serve to deter terrorists. Also, good customer service should not deter service staff or front desks from alerting security to suspicious behavior without confronting a guest.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
DC Streetcar Seeks Enhanced Connectivity
An article in Railway Age Magazine (see http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/light-rail/study-eyes-extension-for-dc-streetcar-startup.html?channel=61) highlights some changes in the plan for the District of Columbia's budding streetcar system. Modifications and extensions are called for to link it with the Metro system. As a note, across the Potomac in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia streetcar lines are also being developed.
Perhaps this could be a case study for Charlotte's first steps with a streetcar. Another Railway Age article (see http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/light-rail/here-come-the-streetcars.html?channel=61 ) suggests indirectly that differentiating between light rail as in the case of LYNX and streetcar lines is really not appropriate and the two can and should be linked as the technologies are quite similar.
Of course, local political and budgetary concerns might be different from elsewhere in the US, but these concepts are worth a thought.
- Mark Carolla, April 10, 2012
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