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The TSA’s name should have warned everyone. Transportation Safety Administration. Everyone thought it was just airports, but transportation applies to any form of movement. And now, the TSA is showing some states how safety is administered.

On Tuesday, Tennessee DOT and TSA began working together under the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, known as VIPR, program. VIPR assumes that if you’re moving, you’re obviously a terrorist. It doesn’t matter if travel is by plane, train, automobile or broomstick. On this particular day, check points were set up at Tennessee weigh stations in an effort to “maintain traffic security” on interstate highways.

The check points allowed, under the guise of protection from terrorism, the TSA, Tennessee DOT and various Tennessee police departments, both state and local, to search trucks and harass drivers for no other reason other than “because we can”. No mention of any violation of the Fourth Amendment, this done completely for the safety of all Americans.

Bomb and drug sniffing dogs were put to work searching the targeted trucks. What? Drug sniffing dogs? How many terrorists are planning dumping a load of extacy into the water supply?

Truckers, the ones violated and those not, are being asked by the TSA to join the First Observer Highway Security Program. This is a program where truckers are being asked to report to VIPR all the suspicious people they see on the highway, rest areas or truck stops across the nation.

Americans ratting out each other will only strengthen our safety.

So, it’s time to do your part. Just keep your eyes peeled. See someone talking on their phone in the car? Call VIPR and report it. It’s obvious that that person is plotting to wage Jihad against us all.

The intersection was clearly marked, with numerous signs, flashing lights and crossing gates. Warning signs were first visible 900 feet before the crossing. Investigation into why the lead truck driver did not stop or apply brakes until approximately 320 feet before the crossing will continue.

It was not until Saturday that investigators and recovery workers could assess the damage.

At this time, six people are confirmed dead and another 28 remain unaccounted for as investigators assess the damage. To add insult to injury, officials from Amtrak are unsure of the true number of people unaccounted for as riders on Amtrak trains are allowed to get on or off the train at various stops along the route.

But what about when you’re walking through a busy outside location like Times Square? Or going to Comerica Park to watch a Tiger’s game? Or about to walk into a BART station? What if you’re getting back-scattered without even knowing about it? Well, if you flew out of Denver or used the rail in Jersey, you may already be a victim.

Yes, DHS has officially become Big Brother as they’ve been working with companies to develop “safety” systems that would allow some big scanner in the sky to look through your clothes and what ever you’re carrying to see what you’ve got hidden. The system would track your movements through the crowd and once you’re deemed an eminent danger, you’ll be whisked away for the safety of others.

Forget about any of the rights DHS is violating here. They have no care of what right they’re violating, they’re just looking out for your safety. Once again, under the guise of safety, the government is betting you’ll give up your rights.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a privacy-rights group, obtained DHS’s documents related to the study of these new machines under the Freedom of Information Act. Currently, EPIC is suing the DHS to stop the deployment and use of the body scanning systems currently in use at the airports pending an independent review. The case cites violations of Administrative Procedure Act, the Privacy Act, the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Fourth Amendment.

In 2005, DHS had contracted Rapiscan, the company that builds today’s TSA back scatter machines, to develop a surveillance system that could covertly inspect moving subjects to detect dangerous objects under their clothing or in backpacks, bags, etc. The $1.9 million contract was later dropped during prototype testing phases of the machine.

In 2006, DHS contracted Northeastern University to build a similar surveillance system. This $1.3 million contract was to develop a tracking and monitoring system of moving subjects in a given area. After some studies, DHS dropped the project before any prototypes were built.

We support EPIC in it’s daunting task of suing the DHS. Take a stand and support EPIC in reigning in the DHS from invading our pants. Left alone to do as they want, the DHS will x-ray you every time you cross the street, go to any event or look out the window. Not only do you have to question the safety, you have to question the reasoning of why DHS is labeling us all terrorists and we have to prove we’re not.

The last time someone succeeded with this railroad to Miami thing was the Florida Land boom of the 1920s. Sure, that’s what Florida needs, more people moving down to South Eastern Florida where there is not a piece of land left to build on, water is scarce and highways are vast. Oh, and keep in mind that the light rail service between Miami and West Palm called Tri-Rail, is available to carry people because no one rides it.

When Florida Governor Rick Scott turned down the second installment of the high speed rail stimulus of $2.4B, it sent proponents of high speed rail into a tizzy. The Federal Government, the biggest proponent of high speed rail, sent Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, on a weekend trip down to Florida to talk some sense into Governor Scott.

Scott turned down the money saying that the costs to maintain and subsidize the rail lines in the future would be too costly to the tax payers of Florida. LaHood, in his appeal to Scott to revitalize the rail project, explained there would be oodles of jobs for Floridians (because Floridians are known for their train building) and outlined the potential for economic and tourism growth (if you build it, more will come).

FL Gov. Scott & Ray LaHood

LaHood gave Governor Scott another week to rethink his decision of derailing the project. It’s an offer he certainly can’t refuse, right? Who doesn’t want free money from the Fed? Wisconsin?

The need for the rail is obvious. People really, really, really need to go to Disney World. Sometimes they can’t get a flight to Orlando, so they fly into Tampa and then they have to drive 95 miles to Orlando in a car that they would have rented regardless of where they landed. In the future, they’ll fly to Tampa, buy a $100 ticket per person to ride the train to Orlando which will drop them off right in front of the rental car agencies at the Orlando airport.

In most security situations, it is better to search people before they board something — thus preventing a terrorist attack while on the transportation.

The only reason to search people after the fact is simply to flaunt your power and search them. Unlike not flying to avoid being searched, you can’t not get off the train when it stops.

Another reason to leave the car alone: The T, Boston’s city train, Rocks.(Technically, it’s part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which includes trains, subways, boats and buses.)

There couldn’t be an easier public train system to use. In Beacon Hill and need to go Harvard? The red line will make that trip easy. Want to get back to Qunicy Market to drink beer at a bar named after a fictional television character or look at the giant piece of macaroni? You may have change trains, but that’s easier than you might think. Walk upstairs, make sure you’re going in the right direction and you’re there.

Perhaps the best part of the T is that you don’t have to even know what you’re doing. Just walk up to one of the machines and look confused. A T employee sitting nearby will walk up to you, ask you where you’re going and walk you through getting your ticket. Then just use one card for everyone boarding the train and it’s as simple as that. This is the way you run a tourist operation.

While most travelers don’t have a  problem figuring out how to use a train in a foreign city, having some one there at the ready makes it all that much easier. So instead of worrying about how to get your train ticket, let someone help and go back to worrying about someone pickpocketing you. (Make sure they are actually a T employee.)

Travel should never be intimidating — challenging sure — but if Boston wants to help, let it, say thank you and then keep moving — there are commuters on either side of you and, mostly, they hate tourists.

French transportation workers are protesting the government’s move to push the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62, so there’s little sympathy felt from the USA.

For most long haul travelers — such as people flying in from the US shouldn’t notice any delays until they land. Air France says it will not delay those flights, according to

A simulated photo of what crusty French workers would look like if it were the 1930s.

news reports. However, more local flights could be canceled or delayed.

Once someone lands, there could be some chaos on the ground, as trains and buses may not be operating.(One note: Eurostar, that speedy train that scoots people between London and Paris in two hour, does not face any delays.)

The strike is scheduled to end on Wednesday as transportation workers will have made their point by then and they wouldn’t want to strike during their time off.

First, you can’t get a DUI on a train, so adding a little flavor splash to my coffee is harmless and no one is the wiser. Also, I never have to find parking in a new city, though after experiencing Europe by train, my first impression of every city is that it smells like urine.

Second, pulling into a new city after driving eight hours on the road is exhausting — yes, you’re finally there, but now you need a nap.

So why not sleep on the way there. Train travel is one of the single best ways to tour the country for the lazy hipster on a muck about around a new land. It’s not always the fastest way — many times slower than driving, but who cares? There’s no security, people are friendlier and no train attendant has ever screamed at the top his lungs, burst open the emergency hatch and slide to freedom. Nope, not a-once.

So all of this hype comes on the heels that there are some seriously steep discounts on the Canadian Rail System. Tickets are up to 75 percent off. These kind of discounts can transform a quick jaunt into an exquisite trip. A three-day weekend in Toronto could now include an afternoon in Montreal ($59). Or you could take the long haul from Toronto and hit some place like Winnipeg ($205, regularly $805).

The possibilities are endless.

And perhaps that’s why I like train travel so much — there’s a romantic side to them that cars can not simulate. There’s a feeling you get when the train slows down and clunks to a stop in a new city. You’re starting off right in the heart of a city. There’s an energy no parking lot can replicate. The smell of fresh bread and people and opportunity.

Sure, there may be crack vials crunching under your feet, a brothel around the corner and homeless people fighting over steam vents, but that’s life too and all of it is rich and abundant and exhilerating.

Maybe it’s the extra flavor added to my coffee, but whatever it is, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Image from ORLANDOTRAINS.COM

All Aboard! These are words everyone likes to hear. Time to go, come on, let’s go!

The Orlando Star Clipper is a train that departs from Eustis, Florida, to parts unknown. And there are so many unknown parts of Florida, like Eustis, Mt. Dora and other locales just outside of Orlando.

Everyone knows Orlando – Mickey, Goofy & the gang. Now, it’s time you experience a little bit of reality – not everyone wears mouse ears and lives in a pink castle. The Orlando Star Clipper will show you a bit of Florida off the beaten track, all while being on the tracks.

Imagine a dinner train, complete with quality service, a five course dinner and drinks galore. You begin to feel like you’re in another time as you feel the train begin to roll down the tracks, but with all the amenities of today. What could be better? Dinner train tickets are $55 per person and cash bar is available for those who like to imbibe… and who doesn’t?

The Orlando Star Clipper Dinner Train departs Eustis and takes you on a tour of aptly named Lake County, Florida traveling along side Lake Eustis, Lake Francis and Lake Dora. Didn’t realize there were so many lakes in Florida, right? Well, there’s many more than just those three if you take one of the longer cruises available on the Star Clipper.

Our trip on the Star Clipper began with arriving to the depot in Eustis. Located near Ferran Park on Lake Eustis. The whistle blows, the ride begins and time as you know it melts away. The scenery unfolds beside you and you realize there are still parts of Florida that are beautiful and untouched.

Dinner is served during the ride and you won’t be disappointed. The staff is friendly and professional, the food is good and everything on board runs like a ship… or is that train? The nice thing is you don’t realize how much formula is involved in running a dinner train because you’re enjoying the experience with your travel mates.

The set up of the dining car allows for large parties and small. You’re able to move about the cabin, no seat belts required, no crazy flight attendants barking at you to sit down. The atmosphere is fun, the dining car is full of people and everyone is part of the fun. Entertainment was provided by the riders on our train car, but the Star Clipper also offers live music on some of the trips.

Image from ORLANDOTRAINS.COM

The Star Clipper Dinner Train is just one of three services offered by Rail Entertainment USA just outside of the Orlando area. After a dinner on the Star Clipper, you can retire to the Pullman Palace which will offer first class accommodations in a sleeper car and concludes with a railroad breakfast.

The Mt Dora Scenic Railway offers family entertainment for the younger train enthusiasts with themed rides on a 1920′s era passenger train.

So, you’re going to Orlando? Well, do something different than the obvious Disney or Universal. Climb aboard a piece of history and take a step back in time as you enjoy. You might find that some of the real adventures Florida has to offer are better than the make believe.

While we first thought this was a gathering of model train experts and pedophiles, we’ve since learned that it is a fake holiday designed to create awareness that there are trains in America — terribly slow and inefficient trains on the East Coast.

The national network of trains is even worse, such as the 2 days it would take to get from Chicago to New York City. (There’s still a $336 ticket that takes 26 hours available.)

It’s kind of embarrassing, especially since we would take trains everywhere if we could. They’re much easier than flying, it could create a world without cars and you can play around on your computer instead of driving. However, the trains in the US are awful, so, we fly.

As far as contrived holidays go, National Train Day is pretty well organized. It has a spokesman, Taye Diggs — the man who helped Stella Get her Groove Back.

It has a website — NationalTrainDay.com.

It has special exhibits in Washington DC: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Union Station. Meet Taye Diggs and see if he can help Amtrak get its groove back. There are also displays and discount train tickets.

Philadelphia: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. 30th Street Station: Exhibits include the History of Baseball travel on trains aka, card games on wheels. Dallas Green and Gary Mathews will also visit. (They played for the Phillies.)

Chicago: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Union Station: Model train displays, music by Muddy Waters son and all the sausage you can eat.

Los Angeles: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Union Station: The Railroad Braceros Exhibit: this shows how Americans shipped in thousands of Mexicans to work during World War II to build and maintain railroad tracks. This was done because most of the Japanese workers had all rounded up and locked up.