Recent content by billthebarn

Nice post. I prefer vanilla.

Jis, I read on another thread that you had worked for Novell. I held Novell stock for a while (Schmidt was CEO) at the time. About ten-twelve years ago, I met an interesting software guy on the Zephyr. He was coming back from a conference/trade show in San Fransisco. He grew up in New Jersey...

Don't we have enough of a problem with lizards? lol!

Sorry, I couldn't link. Google Bloomberg Amtrak It is about food services and the amount of money lost on LD trains. Supposedly, these losses will disappear within five years. One interesting fact I learned is that the waiters and waitresses are paid $41.19 per hour (including benefits)...

Must be a "slow news day". All this over a 30 minute late train? Jis, you may want to think about scheduling a vacation. lol!

Great post, NS VIA Fan. You're truly one of the afflicted, lol and you were afflicted early on !!

Good report, Bill. Excellent photos also.

Nice writing, Sarah, easy to read. You and Ryan seem to "hit it off" well.

Eric in MA, Amtrak can improve in many ways. They can do a better job screening out people who are not naturally friendly and outgoing. Some people do not make good "service providers". A person could be an excellent computer programer but a really bad tour guide. Amtrak can do a better job...

I'm not sure of the cooking method. Or if there is only one method used. I've had very good meals on Amtrak and very bad. When it comes to eating in a diner on a train, I'm grateful for attempt (of Amtrak trying to provide this service). When I hear complaints about the food, I imagine what it...

Yes, Ryan, Really. You can imagine whom I'm referring to....people who don't take baths, people with bad breath, racist Redskin fans, etc. (lol)

As long as we're dreaming, how about a low-budget NYC-CHI train? Vending machines instead of diner/lounge. Only one employee...the engineer. A rebuilt cattle car for the lizards to sleep. And a real low price. Lower than Greyhound. Not very appealing to most of us, I know. But it would attract...

Sounds like a great trip! If it were I, I'd wait until after the summer. The trains are less crowded. Hotels are less expensive. Best views on the LSL are on the left side...along the Hudson. In Denver, you want to get a seat in the SSL as views change from left to right many times. When first...

Henry, If you're going to spend a few days in Rupert, the Crest Hotel is the best as Great Cats said. Good restaurant and bar and right next to the only casino around. If you're just overnighting, you may want to consider the Pioneer Hostel. Nice clean private rooms, good coffee in the morning...

Profit and good journalistic standards are nor mutually exclusive. Nor is profit a dirty word. An entity can be both honest and profitable at the same time.