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Post by Mike C on Feb 15, 2013 21:14:02 GMT -8
..all that impresed with what I saw with the WSF vessel I was aboard on the Bremerton to Seattle route. Which ferry was it, perchance? One thing to consider, is it's not a situation in which we simply don't care to maintain our vessels. It's just a matter of fact the overall maintenance and preventative care budget within WSF has been sapped dry over the last decade. He couldn't find the SeaWest Lounge on the Kitsap. Nor could I. Please improve signage.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 15, 2013 11:37:36 GMT -8
From this one: 1. Narrow down the number of possible ferries to 2. 2. Tell me where I took the picture: 1) Kennewick2) Fort Ebey State Park, Whidbey Island
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Post by Mike C on Feb 15, 2013 11:03:31 GMT -8
This is the first photo that I have ever seen of the SOBC dating from 1980. Thanks to my brother, Mr. DOT, for capturing this one.
I am having troubles finding the Pacific Buffet, please assist
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Post by Mike C on Feb 15, 2013 0:21:06 GMT -8
This evening, I spent some quality time on Carnival's Wikipedia page. Every single major vessel incident has been the exact same scenario, with a fire, usually in the engine room, knocking out propulsion. I do understand that fire poses the largest threat to any ship at any time, however one does wonder if there is anything more that can be done, especially on a vessel of this size and capacity?
I did sail on Carnival over the summer on a 3-day down to Mexico, and was overall not exactly blown away by what was offered - the interior seemed worn and outdated, I did not see my room steward for 2 of the 3 days despite finding broken glass on the floor of my room (this did not instill confidence), and the amenities were lacking. Granted, the vessel was commissioned in 1995, but my previous experience on Royal Caribbean indicated that this experience was not one of quality for the cruising industry.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 14, 2013 21:39:21 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Feb 12, 2013 0:00:02 GMT -8
WCK has posted a few photos over the years which show a similar structure at Swartz Bay. However the timing of the removal of the old Berth 2/3 at Swartz Bay doesn't really make sense with the timing of the re-construction of the structure at Porteau Cove. I guess the current Berth 3, was built around the early 80's? Here's a look at the structure I had in mind at Swartz Bay, which is what was the old Berth 2, which is located where Berth 3 is today. www.flickr.com/photos/41465870@N04/4198776427/ I believe the berth photographed is currently located on the North Arm of the Fraser River, north of Sea Island on the Vancouver side, west of the Arthur Lang Bridge and Vancouver Transit Center. I'm on my phone so I can't look it up at the moment, but if you go on Google Earth, you will see it. It is not attached to any roadway, and is no longer in use (if it ever was in that location).
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Post by Mike C on Feb 6, 2013 17:52:42 GMT -8
Also a little more about myself: Autism doesn't suck completely. I can remember geographic locations really well and am good at memorizing stuff (like phone numbers and email addresses), which has made it easier for me to learn Spanish. I know lots of stuff about airplanes, maps, and ferries. I'm also good at identifying certain field marks on an airplane or ferry that allow me to easily tell them apart w/o looking at the nameplate. This is excellent. These kinds of skills are fantastic for a hobby like ours.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 5, 2013 17:31:05 GMT -8
Was the Tachek not the main vessel for replacing some of the minor vessels in the off season? How is BC Ferries going to manage when a vessel like her or the QQII needs to go in for repair? (That is if the Tenaka is retired in 2015. Anybody else doubtful a new ship will be built by then?) Agreed. It sounds like BC Ferries intends on displacing the Tenaka with the Cable Ferry, basically sending the Quinitsa to 22 and the Kahloke becomes the spare. Trouble is, the Kahloke cannot do the routes that the Tachek primarily provides relief service on. So we shall see... I'm predicting another case of BCFS Lack of Foresight Syndrome.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 5, 2013 12:45:29 GMT -8
As a Liberal, I take offense to this. I've lived in cities and I currently live in a very rural setting outside of Shelton. And I happen to be Liberal. The word "Liberal" comes from the Latin word "Liberalis" which is a political philosophy or worldview founded on ideas of liberty and equality. Most Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally they support ideas such as free and fair elections, civil rights, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, free trade, and private property. We totally believe in the free-market philosophy, however what we don't believe in - is an *unregulated* free market philosophy (aka Laissez-faire) where there are no rules. Regulation of the various markets is necessary to eliminate fraud and other means of deceptive business and market practices. Most Liberals also don't believe in not having private enterprise. You'll be amazed to find most of us support it. We just don't see how it's effective to privatize certain aspects of government (roadway maintenance, government healthcare, etc.) Also, Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty and homelessness. Liberals also ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things...every one! We also believe workers should have fair rights and fair pay. Conservatives oppose it. Also, every single technological feat, every historical milestone, every single major achievement in this country, be they social, economic, or political, has always happened under Liberal leadership. The rest, can be held off for another thread or another discussion, but I take offense to Liberals being bad for the country. I guess I get liberals confused with left-wingers. Are they not the same? I thought liberal=left-wing while conservative=right-wing. Personally, as a conservative I believe in some progressive philosophies, such as business regulation, as that's the only way the free market can really work. But then again, you can't have too much regulation as that would cripple businesses. It's a fine line. As a conservative I also support the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Some conservatives opposed it back in the day because they thought it was an overreach of government influence into their lives. Some things that liberals created I am opposed to because they are a significant expansion of government influence into our lives, like Social Security and Medicare. Both programs are expensive and are gonna go broke in 10 years. I don't trust the government with this stuff! I don't get the point of Social Security; how is it any different than creating a savings account? And why must I worry about my bank going under when my money is insured by the FDIC (an FDR New Deal program I support)? So I share some views with you, and it is clear that just like liberals, conservatives are all over the place in their views of government. Remember that I agree w/ you liberals on somethings, like freedom, voting rights, and the free market, but I do not support a huge government. I believe that "as government expands, liberty contracts." I believe that there are some things that government has the complete responsibility to take care of, including providing funding for ferries. But don't increase taxes to do so; take money from less-important programs like health-care (people can provide for that themselves) and put it towards roads and ferries! People don't like taxes, yet they like all the goodies the government gives them. Makes absolutely no sense to me. Compdude787, You have embodied almost every factually untrue stereotype of Canadians in the past week, I find this mildly offensive. You have embraced many, many misconceptions about operations of transportation infrastructure, this is pretty ignorant. And your interpretation of the political spectrum must have been a steep learning curve for you. I strongly suggest that you seriously consider doing some research before making your next post surrounding these issues. BTW it's a good thing my government was able to provide me with speedy, reliable, socialized (oh no!) healthcare, or else I wouldn't be alive to make this post.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 23:59:18 GMT -8
I don't agree with any assessment a new boat be built out of Washington waters. A recent news story on KOMO News stated that the construction of the KDTs and the Olympic Class provided a $15 million economic boost annually to the economy of Whidbey Island alone. I would much rather prefer the shipbuilding jobs be kept here and provide a local economic boost, than see our taxpayer dollars be sent elsewhere. The state should reign in on cost overruns, but IMO I don't see the need to build elsewhere. And the KDTs aside, Vigor (formerly Todd Shipyards), builds damn fine ferries for WSF. Ah yes, this is one of my favourite debates on this forum. The reality of today is that shipbuilding, like most industries, are globalized: the bids and costs need to remain competitive in order to compete with shipyards around the world. I think that if the cost outweighs the economic benefit provided, then it should go offshore, specifically to a place like FSG where they specialize in high-quality Ro-Ro products. We received a high quality product from them, compared to a relatively mediocre product with massive budgetary overruns built here at home during the same time frame. That being said, I can't recall any discussion surrounding low-quality products from WA shipyards sailing in WA waters since the Issaquah-class gong show. So I think as long as the state is able to keep costs competitive, or at least within the range of economic benefit, I think building at home is a wise choice.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 22:38:29 GMT -8
Did the Liberals send you here? Wait, I thought liberals would not want such a thing. Liberals, (aka "left-wingers" or "the Left") at least in America, can be extremely radical as to desire socialism, and not have free-markets and private companies running things. Thus, having WSF become semi-private would go against the views of the Left, which predominates politics in Seattle, which has the most influence in Olympia and silences all the more conservative voices outside of Seattle. My Government teacher told us that Seattle is like a political bubble; as soon as you step outside the Seattle city limits, people become more conservative in their political views. Having done a little research on your liberal party, I find the BC Liberals are center to center-right on the political spectrum, as opposed to left-wing as they are here in the US! The term 'Liberals' here in Canada refers to a centrist political party on the national level, and a center-right political party at the BC provincial level.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 19:25:26 GMT -8
The DOT could do the same as the ministry does to BC Ferries. Those of us in Washington and those of us who care to preserve the legacy of our fleet would respectfully pass on that suggestion.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 19:16:51 GMT -8
I don't want to have green slugs, thank you very much. And Washingtonians have experience with that privatized ferry system. Remember why WSF was formed back on June 1st, 1951? The Ministry of Transportation has to approve everything before it happens for BC Ferries. How does this have anything to do with what has been said in this thread anywhere?
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 18:56:12 GMT -8
Washington State Ferries is not an interstate highway. They are an extension of the Washington State Route system. Again, comparing apples to oranges. I do not think you know what I'm talking about. Actually, I'm pretty sure he does. WSF does not operate any interstate routes, and is therefore not under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Ferries operate state transportation routes and are state mandated. I got love the comments you use it, you pay for it." While does that get you? I feel like the meaning of the phrase has bypassed you completely. Yes, users should pay for it. However, these transportation networks are considered to be a state responsibility, therefore the state has an obligation to provide the service at a rate that provides the highest benefit for those who use it (the equilibrium between best level of service and highest ridership, i.e. supply/demand). Why does the state ferries go semi private like a BC Ferries? Which has got BC Ferries any where. I really tried my best to interpret this, but my brain now hurts. See this video:
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 18:27:32 GMT -8
We're having this very conversation about our transit system. The concepts of vehicle levies, increase in property taxes, and regional tolling have gotten mixed reviews, with no sign of secure funding in sight. I have stated before on this forum, and I'm sure I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but legislation over the past fifteen years has decreased or axed completely secure sources of funding for transportation infrastructure, when in fact it is the lifeblood of our economies. Rather than spending years sitting on the streetcorner asking for money hoping to be able to carry over to the next year, we need to find a reliable, constant source of funding to keep these transportation systems moving, and economic development growing.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 4, 2013 9:01:00 GMT -8
For the March flagship, I am looking for photos showing a ferry arriving at a ferry dock. It must be obvious from the photo that the ferry is arriving...Do you have photographic proof of a vessel leaving? I don't believe you.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 3, 2013 19:39:23 GMT -8
Sounds like the Coastal Celebration is getting her first ever drydocking. I'm assuming it will be during this period that we will see the same partial wrap removal that we have seen on the Renaissance and Inspiration.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 3, 2013 19:12:21 GMT -8
I love my Tokina and nothing will ever make me part with it. After trying mine, Mike (MileagePhoto) got one too. It is a fantastic, solid, high quality lens and I highly recommend it. Some of my best photos ever have been taken with it in the past couple months.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 3, 2013 13:32:45 GMT -8
Do they have to close both Little River and Powell River at the same time??? During the consultation, this was determined to be the most effective plan, rather than closing one at a time, and extending the process.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 3, 2013 11:14:03 GMT -8
As for adding another ship to this route, you have to consider where the crew is coming from. As it is, I'm not sure which side the Island Sky will be staffed from during this time. The biggest benifit would be with using the Island Sky over the Burnaby is smaller crew. Regardless, the crew that would normally be on the Burnaby would likely have to all be put up in a hotel and expenses for the duration of their watch cycle. If the Chilliwack gets added to mix, where is the crew going to come from for that? The Chilliwack is crewed in the summer by crew who normally live in other point of assemblies, like Tsawwassen, Salt Spring, Swartz, etc. That's even more expense to drag those people out to crew the Chilliwack. Not to mention, who wants to spend 4 hours on the Chilliwack crossing the Strait at a painful 10 knots on a ship that vibrates like crazy. I believe the Island Sky will be staffed out of Departure Bay. I am thinking that the normal Route 17 crew will operate the Island Sky, with the Route 7 crew operating the Chilliwack. I think adding a second ship is unrealistic. The terminal and the three routes going there will already be stretched to the limit, with a lack of extra open-water ferries (unless we have the Tenaka in there or something).
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Post by Mike C on Feb 2, 2013 23:26:31 GMT -8
The next bit of progress, soon to be announced by the Proboards Overlords, is AGRC, or 'Automatic Geezer Rant Control'. It will instantly detect and delete all posts by members over a certain age who complain about the technical improvements in the forums. The younger moderators have that new feature all ready for me, haha. But seriously, one good thing about the V5 upgrade is that it's shifted my focus and priorities in my spare-time life. After an initial weekend with V5 and the resulting frustration that I felt in those early days, I've now settled into a more mellow "I just don't care anymore" frame of mind, concerning this place. I realize that I'm the only moderator who's apologized for the problems with the V5 upgrade, or tried to express regret over the problems that this has caused some of us. So I realize that I'm in the minority among staff with my reactions to how this has all gone down. So, things that I used to fuss about on this forum, I'm not too concerned with anymore. That's a good thing, because I had been investing way too much emotional energy into this place, plus lots of my spare time. I'm glad you feel this way. I have had some humbling and sobering experiences in my personal life as of late, and have learned that this is absolutely no environment to be investing emotional energy or frustration. Especially over the most minute differences between systems. I believe that there is a lesson to be learned here. And maybe your boss will be happier So what's the result of a software upgrade? We have a divided community: a handful of members who are have taken a firm preconceived negative connotation with anything related to this upgrade; a handful of members who are annoyed but have chosen to adapt; a small collective of staff who have worked tirelessly on the implementation of this upgrade; and a silent majority. Crazy.
MileagePhoto tells me that my objections are futile. Probably true. I tell him, that his suggestion to log onto some other forum and voice my concerns is almost the definition of futility. You know that ubiquitous recorded voice that says, "Your call is important to us..." Exactly. I was trying to send you in the right direction to send your feedback to the coders, operators and owners of ProBoards. If you don't, that's your call. I'm not trying to feed you some ProBoards PR crap. In fact, if you go back a few pages, I had complaints about the Mobile App: I went on to the support forum, my concerns were rectified, the app was changed and updated.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 2, 2013 22:15:15 GMT -8
Something I have been enjoying about V5: When one edits a post, there is an option to add a reason for that edit at the bottom. Useful. ... but does that make up for the fact that you can't preview before you post? I don't think so. Another V5 fun fact: We are now saved from the confusion of deciding to search through the members' list alphabetically or by post count. If you're curious about how that horse race between the number six and number seven poster is going, or if you're wanting to see how many members have never actually posted... too bad. Alphabetically only. And I notice tonight, in another thread, confusion about quoting. Those old guys. Sheesh. The next bit of progress, soon to be announced by the Proboards Overlords, is AGRC, or 'Automatic Geezer Rant Control'. It will instantly detect and delete all posts by members over a certain age who complain about the technical improvements in the forums. I recommend posting your concerns on the ProBoards Support Forum: support.proboards.com/board/28/general-v5-discussionNot to sound arrogant, but just complaining into oblivion is counter-productive and a waste of perfectly good finger-energy, that could be better spent on other things.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 2, 2013 15:43:25 GMT -8
Something I have been enjoying about V5:
When one edits a post, there is an option to add a reason for that edit at the bottom. Useful.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 2, 2013 15:41:38 GMT -8
Ok, this is a kind of extreme question, but can you see Route 2 ships passing from the coast between Gibsons and Robert's Creek? How about route 22 from route route 17? And what are some good spots in Chemainus for the Kuper? Route 2 from Sunshine Coast: I wouldn't try, there isn't much point. I don't think you would get any good photos. Route 22 from Route 17: Nope, nothing. Chemainus: There is a wharf directly adjacent to the terminal. I would recommend checking that out, as that is where we get most of our photos. I can't really think of any other locations...
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Post by Mike C on Feb 1, 2013 8:30:11 GMT -8
- this morning on my home computer, at 6:30am, the forum still showed banner-adverts, and the flagship photo was a blank "Red X". This used to happen from time to time for me with V4.5. I don't believe that's a V5 thing so much as something that happens every now and again.
---------------------------------------- I've found a video that summarizes this thread quite well...
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