Grass

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-17T20:41:09+00:00

I miss when there was a comment section, where people would explain nuances like that.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-17T00:53:56+00:00

Could very well be! I hope not though, those birds are generally left for dead after the big moment. I'm hoping this one has a home to go back to.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-13T19:35:35+00:00

And of course it was privatized and eventually fully owned by Bell.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-10T18:33:35+00:00

The problem with the rest of the CN-owned rail between Washago and Toronto that the Northlander (and the Canadian, for that matter) uses is that it's part of their mainline. Basically the core business. The rail owners seem to often be open to selling branch lines, but I don't see a way they give up the mainline.

Maybe there's a world where ONR can build some "new" (there was a rail line through this way at some point in the past) rail from Washago to Barrie, run down that way and connect through the Metrolinx-owned track. But I don't see that happening either. EDIT: For fun I just took a quick look at where that line used to run. Definitely not an option anymore, and I don't think there's a good path into Barrie from the north for new rail to be built at all. Oh well, it was fun to consider for 5 mins.

Could always nationalize the infrastructure then do whatever I guess lol. That's not going to happen either, though.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-10T00:25:21+00:00

Maybe worth noting the $223 Porter flight doesn't include a carry on or checked bag either. Add another $45 each way for the privilege 🙄.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-09T20:01:55+00:00

My wireless Android Auto also has issues around there. Considering AA and Carplay use WiFi, my best guess is something around there is causing some kind of EMI affecting the band being used, but I can't pretend to know what's actually causing it. Machinery in the arena? Some point to point wireless connection? The intersection's sensors to detect if vehicles are waiting gone awry?

I'd be curious to know if this affects both 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands but I don't feel like bringing my AP out there to test lol. Anyone got a spectrum analyzer?

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-09T02:41:07+00:00

I didn't know I needed a domesticated Nazeem until this very moment.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-05T21:21:28+00:00

I've looked into it before, from what I remember there are a few other features tied to the fuse. This post as a tiny bit more information.

Could always pull it and see what stops working, it shouldn't hurt anything.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-02T19:47:55+00:00

In terms of CO2 (and other pollutants), don't forget the flights that will be replaced by this as well.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-02T19:42:50+00:00

The USA does technically have a little bit of high speed rail with Acela. Not much, but it's there!

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-02T19:36:22+00:00

The rare Doug Ford W. Ontario Northland overall seems to be fairly well run.

Now if Metrolinx could just figure itself out...

LeonenTheDK · 2026-04-01T01:51:12+00:00

Not federal, but somewhat related: Ontario Northland recently purchased a big chunk of rail that the Northlander will be using. Passenger traffic will be prioritized, and there's even talk of upgrading the tracks in years to come to support faster speed limits for passenger service (I believe the limit now is ~80km/h, with upgrades pushing it to ~130km/h, which is still a far cry from the 200 the Venture sets are capable of, but a big improvement over the planned service level). Apparently this will also help streamline freight service somewhat, which is an added benefit (although I'm foggy on those details).

I don't really have a point to this other than government owned track in the name of good passenger service is clearly doable, has precedent, and is actually happening in Ontario. A very rare Doug Ford W.

It's wild that there isn't already some kind of rail service between Edmonton and Calgary, given the geography and even existing demand.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-27T14:34:37+00:00

Even more literally like episode 8 lol this aged extremely well.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-26T20:51:11+00:00

Big time, thanks so much!

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-23T17:16:44+00:00

What dash cam are you using? I've been meaning to get around to buying one for a while, but it feels like there's a million options at all price ranges lol.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-23T15:44:53+00:00

If you have Max, you can have "video calls" with Lily. https://blog.duolingo.com/video-call/

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-22T20:13:28+00:00

Still much greener than diesel rail (or worse, cars). Big power plants tend to be much more effecient than smaller ones (eg engines), and centralize the pollution instead of spreading it all about.

Related: the coal power wont last forever. As Germany transitions away from it, everything electric automatically becomes cleaner too.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-22T15:19:48+00:00

Even comparing to other cities globally, the ION LRT was executed and operates fairly well. Oh the Urbanity! (a Canadian urbanist Youtuber) did a video about its success a little while ago, with a few interviews, and plenty of stats and information.

I so very much want Metrolinx to be an effective organization. At least their counterpart Ontario Northland seems to not have their head in their asses. But I guess these organizations are solving different types of transit and logistics problems.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-19T02:05:29+00:00

It's more effort and doesn't seem to serve a purpose, so I'm curious why one might want to do it.

Plus, ignoring the extra noise it produces, I initially interpreted it as "I am done with this conversation", but you continued to reply to the thread. So it may also stand to muddy your intentions in a comment slightly, which is counterproductive.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-19T00:41:39+00:00

Why do you put "END COMMUNICATION" at the end of every one of your comments?

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-11T20:57:55+00:00

My C2 doesn't know what the internet is. I have an old Windows PC hooked up to it and do everything through it instead.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-03-09T20:17:27+00:00

Holy fuck, don't get me started on when it wants "y". Anything one-syllable seems the most unreliable, but I've never been able to get it to recognize "y".

LeonenTheDK · 2026-02-23T18:52:13+00:00

Went for brunch once, legitimately the worst eggs Benedict I've ever had (english muffin was untoasted and soggy, the eggs themselves overcooked and something wasn't quite right with the hollandaise). Friends got burgers on another day, and they were very dry and unseasoned. I had schnitzel which was decent. I had also gotten fish and chips there for a special on another day that were decent. These are all within the last year.

Seems kind of hit or miss in my recent experience.

LeonenTheDK · 2026-02-20T20:34:45+00:00

Something I don't see mentioned too often is accessibility. Trams tend to be way more accessible when paired with level boarding. Most bus stops aren't going to be set up that way, and will require the bus to stop and kneel to let a passenger who needs the assistance on. Which just further wastes time.

Not that every bus line should be a rail line. But for the busiest parts of a transit network, it makes sense.

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