There are a number of areas in the 48 contiguous United States known as tri-state areas where three states either meet at one point (a tripoint) or are in close proximity to each other. The two best known of the latter type are for the New York and Chicago metropolitan areas. Two well-known examples of the former are Philadelphia's Delaware Valley and the Pittsburgh Tri-State.
The Tri-State Region around New York City is where New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut nearly meet. There is no tripoint, however, as Connecticut does not touch New Jersey. Chicago's tri-state region includes Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin and is commonly referred to as Chicagoland. This tri-state region also does not have a tripoint since Indiana does not touch Wisconsin. Pittsburgh's tri-state region includes Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, which meet near the Beginning Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey northwest of Pittsburgh. Philadelphia's tri-state area consists of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, with a tripoint meeting in the Delaware River near the east end of the Twelve-Mile Arc.
Other large metropolitan areas with a tri-state area include Cincinnati and Memphis. Smaller ones include those of Dubuque, Iowa, which spills over into Illinois and Wisconsin; and of Evansville, Indiana, which includes parts of Illinois and Kentucky.
The area that includes Washington, D.C. and the nearby parts of Maryland and Virginia is sometimes loosely referred to as a "tri-state area," although Washington is not a state.
The "Joplin District", a lead and zinc mining region of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, produced mineral specimens known as "Tri-State" minerals.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Positive feedback
Positive feedback, sometimes referred to as "cumulative causation", refers to situations where some effect causes more of itself. A system undergoing positive feedback is unstable, that is, it will tend to spiral out of control as the effect amplifies itself.
Technically, a system exhibiting positive feedback responds to perturbation acts to increase the magnitude of a perturbation. That is, "A produces more of B which in turn produces more of A". In contrast, a system that responds to the perturbation in the opposite direction is said to exhibit negative feedback. These concepts were first recognized as broadly applicable by Norbert Wiener in his 1948 work on cybernetics.
The effect of a positive feedback loop is usually not "positive" in the sense of being desirable. Positive refers to the direction of change rather than the desirability of the outcome. A negative feedback loop tends to reduce or inhibit or stabilise a process, while a positive feedback loop tends to expand or promote it and will often ultimately destabilise it.
Technically, a system exhibiting positive feedback responds to perturbation acts to increase the magnitude of a perturbation. That is, "A produces more of B which in turn produces more of A". In contrast, a system that responds to the perturbation in the opposite direction is said to exhibit negative feedback. These concepts were first recognized as broadly applicable by Norbert Wiener in his 1948 work on cybernetics.
The effect of a positive feedback loop is usually not "positive" in the sense of being desirable. Positive refers to the direction of change rather than the desirability of the outcome. A negative feedback loop tends to reduce or inhibit or stabilise a process, while a positive feedback loop tends to expand or promote it and will often ultimately destabilise it.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Flight fees rise to cover security costs
Air travellers will pay higher fees to cover the costs of new security measures and technology, the federal government announced Thursday.
Transport Minister John Baird said the government will put up $1.5 billion over the next five years to tighten security.
To cover the costs, fees for travellers will rise by $2.50 for a one-way flight in Canada, by $4.37 for transborder flights and by $8.91 for international routes.
"The cost should be borne by those who use these services, not all taxpayers," said Baird.
The $1.5 billion allotted by the minister will go to improve old technologies, body scanners, security staff, explosive detection and passenger observation.
Baird also announced a full review into the spending and effectiveness of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. He assured full transparency and accountability for all monies spent in the safety overhaul.
An annual report to the transport committee on the spending of the $1.5 billion will be submitted by CATSA in an effort to ensure the effectiveness and structure of the Crown corporation.
"I understand that new charges are not welcome, but they are necessary to keep travellers safe," said Baird.
The changes are to go into effect April 1, provided the increase is approved by Parliament.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/02/25/baird-higher-fees.html?ref=rss#ixzz0gaklXxwt
Transport Minister John Baird said the government will put up $1.5 billion over the next five years to tighten security.
To cover the costs, fees for travellers will rise by $2.50 for a one-way flight in Canada, by $4.37 for transborder flights and by $8.91 for international routes.
"The cost should be borne by those who use these services, not all taxpayers," said Baird.
The $1.5 billion allotted by the minister will go to improve old technologies, body scanners, security staff, explosive detection and passenger observation.
Baird also announced a full review into the spending and effectiveness of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. He assured full transparency and accountability for all monies spent in the safety overhaul.
An annual report to the transport committee on the spending of the $1.5 billion will be submitted by CATSA in an effort to ensure the effectiveness and structure of the Crown corporation.
"I understand that new charges are not welcome, but they are necessary to keep travellers safe," said Baird.
The changes are to go into effect April 1, provided the increase is approved by Parliament.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/02/25/baird-higher-fees.html?ref=rss#ixzz0gaklXxwt
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Customer relationship management
Customer relationship management is a broadly recognized, widely-implemented strategy for managing and nurturing a company’s interactions with customers and sales prospects. It involves using technology to organize, automate, and synchronize business processes—principally sales related activities, but also those for marketing, customer service, and technical support. The overall goals are to find, attract, and win new customers, nurture and retain those the company already has, entice former customers back into the fold, and reduce the costs of marketing and customer service.
According to Forrester Research, spending on customer relationship management is expected to top $11 billion annually by 2010, as enterprises seek to grow top-line revenues, improve the customer experience, and boost the productivity of customer-facing staff.
Once simply a label for a category of software tools, customer relationship management has matured and broadened as a concept over the years; today, it generally denotes a company-wide business strategy embracing all customer-facing departments and even beyond. When an implementation is effective, people, processes, and technology work in synergy to develop and strengthen relationships, increase profitability, and reduce operational costs.
According to Forrester Research, spending on customer relationship management is expected to top $11 billion annually by 2010, as enterprises seek to grow top-line revenues, improve the customer experience, and boost the productivity of customer-facing staff.
Once simply a label for a category of software tools, customer relationship management has matured and broadened as a concept over the years; today, it generally denotes a company-wide business strategy embracing all customer-facing departments and even beyond. When an implementation is effective, people, processes, and technology work in synergy to develop and strengthen relationships, increase profitability, and reduce operational costs.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
More flights for 'Canada's U.S. airport;' JetBlue connections next?
More flights are headed to tiny Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. The latest flights come from small leisure carrier Myrtle Beach Direct Air, which will add nonstop service from Plattsburgh to Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Plattsburgh Press-Republican writes "Myrtle Beach Direct flights are operated by Xtra Airways, based in Elko, Nev. Myrtle Beach Direct uses Boeing 737-400 twin-engine aircraft, which offer 138 coach seats and 12 first-class seats." The carrier's other cities include Newark, N.J.; Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Pittsburgh; Columbus Rickenbacker, Ohio; and Gulfport/Biloxi, Miss. The Plattsburgh flights to Myrtle Beach will operate three days a week beginning March 15, according to The Adirondack Daily Enterprise. One-stop service to St. Petersburg, Fla., will be available twice weekly.
As for Plattsburgh, the new service is the latest of several new routes for the airport, which is just about 60 miles from downtown Montreal and bills itself as "Montreal's U.S. airport." The then-little-used airport got a boost late last year when leisure carrier Allegiant Airlines announced plans to add flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Allegiant officials say the opportunity to lure Canadian carriers across the border for cheaper flights was a big draw. The new service from Myrtle Beach Direct was welcomed by New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, long a champion of aviation in his home state. "This is just the beginning for Plattsburgh's new airport. There is a groundswell of support for reliable and affordable air service throughout the region," he tells the Press-Republican.
And, there could be additional good news on the way for Plattsburgh. The airport lost its Essential Air Service (EAS) provider when ailing Big Sky Airlines pulled out of the market Jan. 7. Now, Cape Air has been selected by the feds to replace Big Sky and it will offer service to Boston in "two to three weeks," according to the Press-Republican. The paper says under the EAS program, "airlines are subsidized to serve remote areas. Big Sky's deal was for more than $2 million per year." Cape Air also was selected for EAS service to Boston from Saranac Lake, N.Y. -- also left in the lurch by Big Sky's departure. (RELATED STORY: Subsidies keep small-airport flights in the air)
The Press-Republican notes that Cape Air has codesharing alliances with both JetBlue and Continental. Schumer says the JetBlue link could be a boon for cities. "I'll be working hard to ensure that Jet Blue enacts a code share with Cape Air that will give North Country fliers access to low-cost air routes from Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake to destinations around the country," he tells the paper. As for JetBlue, spokesman Sebastian White tells Today in the Sky: "Our route planning team is looking at how Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake could fit into JetBlue's network. Since day one of operation, JetBlue has had strong ties to upstate New York, so there's a natural connection for us in these communities. Cape Air has been an excellent partner for us. Being able to offer connecting service to 20-plus destinations certainly makes EAS service more viable and more valuable." JetBlue also serves the region via Burlington, Vt. -- just across Lake Champlain from Plattsburgh and upstate New York.
As for Plattsburgh, the new service is the latest of several new routes for the airport, which is just about 60 miles from downtown Montreal and bills itself as "Montreal's U.S. airport." The then-little-used airport got a boost late last year when leisure carrier Allegiant Airlines announced plans to add flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Allegiant officials say the opportunity to lure Canadian carriers across the border for cheaper flights was a big draw. The new service from Myrtle Beach Direct was welcomed by New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, long a champion of aviation in his home state. "This is just the beginning for Plattsburgh's new airport. There is a groundswell of support for reliable and affordable air service throughout the region," he tells the Press-Republican.
And, there could be additional good news on the way for Plattsburgh. The airport lost its Essential Air Service (EAS) provider when ailing Big Sky Airlines pulled out of the market Jan. 7. Now, Cape Air has been selected by the feds to replace Big Sky and it will offer service to Boston in "two to three weeks," according to the Press-Republican. The paper says under the EAS program, "airlines are subsidized to serve remote areas. Big Sky's deal was for more than $2 million per year." Cape Air also was selected for EAS service to Boston from Saranac Lake, N.Y. -- also left in the lurch by Big Sky's departure. (RELATED STORY: Subsidies keep small-airport flights in the air)
The Press-Republican notes that Cape Air has codesharing alliances with both JetBlue and Continental. Schumer says the JetBlue link could be a boon for cities. "I'll be working hard to ensure that Jet Blue enacts a code share with Cape Air that will give North Country fliers access to low-cost air routes from Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake to destinations around the country," he tells the paper. As for JetBlue, spokesman Sebastian White tells Today in the Sky: "Our route planning team is looking at how Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake could fit into JetBlue's network. Since day one of operation, JetBlue has had strong ties to upstate New York, so there's a natural connection for us in these communities. Cape Air has been an excellent partner for us. Being able to offer connecting service to 20-plus destinations certainly makes EAS service more viable and more valuable." JetBlue also serves the region via Burlington, Vt. -- just across Lake Champlain from Plattsburgh and upstate New York.
Airport Check-in: Buffalo and Vermont airports set records
FACTS AND FIGURES
Buffalo Niagara International and Vermont's Burlington International each reported all-time passenger records in 2008. Officials at both airports credit a growing number of Canadian travelers as well as expansion by low-cost carriers such as JetBlue, Southwest and AirTran.
The 2008 passenger count at Buffalo was 5.5 million, up 3.5% over 2007. It was the airport's fifth-consecutive record-setting year.
Douglas Hartmayer, spokesman for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates the Buffalo airport, estimates that a third of the airport's passengers come from Canada, drawn by lower fares out of Buffalo. Buffalo Niagara is about a 15-mile drive from the Ontario border and about 110 miles from Toronto, Canada's largest city.
At Burlington, a record 759,021 passengers boarded flights last year at Vermont's busiest airport. Like Buffalo, the airport has benefited from a steady flow of Canadian fliers and the presence of low-cost carriers. Burlington is just over 100 miles from Montreal.
Brian Searles, director of aviation of Burlington International, says the Canadian market "has always been part of our base," but has seen a major uptick recently: "Depending on the season, it appears that Canadian travel is now between 40% and 50% of our business."
ROUTE NEWS
Super expansion
At least five airlines have plans to add flights or boost capacity to the Tampa Bay area for Super Bowl XLIII, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Arizona Cardinals.
From Pittsburgh, JetBlue will add non-stop flights to Tampa, a route it currently serves only with connecting service, with two southbound non-stops prior to the Super Bowl and two return flights on Feb. 2, the day after the game.
Southwest, which already has non-stop service between the two cities, will add a flight in each direction.
Two small leisure carriers — Direct Air and USA 3000 — also will add special Super Bowl service from Pittsburgh, with each adding one round-trip flight to the Tampa Bay area.
Phoenix fans are also getting extra options for the game. Southwest is adding an extra round-trip flight to Tampa, while US Airways is using larger aircraft on some of its flights.
On Jan. 29, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, US Airways will upgrade to an Airbus A321 on one of its two daily Phoenix-Tampa round-trip flights, giving the carrier an extra 33 seats per flight.
AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
Only five more years …
A new 20-gate concourse will replace the existing terminals at Dallas Love Field, the home airport of Southwest Airlines. The effort is part of a $519 million capital improvement project. Work is expected to conclude in 2014, the year that the last of the Wright Amendment rules restricting long flights at the airport are lifted.
"For nearly 30 years under the Wright Amendment, Dallas had no real incentive to improve its Love Field airport," Southwest spokeswoman Beth Harbin says. "We're as pleased as can be that when those travel restrictions finally roll off in 2014, Dallas travelers also will have a shiny new airport that better serves their needs and tastes."
Buffalo Niagara International and Vermont's Burlington International each reported all-time passenger records in 2008. Officials at both airports credit a growing number of Canadian travelers as well as expansion by low-cost carriers such as JetBlue, Southwest and AirTran.
The 2008 passenger count at Buffalo was 5.5 million, up 3.5% over 2007. It was the airport's fifth-consecutive record-setting year.
Douglas Hartmayer, spokesman for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates the Buffalo airport, estimates that a third of the airport's passengers come from Canada, drawn by lower fares out of Buffalo. Buffalo Niagara is about a 15-mile drive from the Ontario border and about 110 miles from Toronto, Canada's largest city.
At Burlington, a record 759,021 passengers boarded flights last year at Vermont's busiest airport. Like Buffalo, the airport has benefited from a steady flow of Canadian fliers and the presence of low-cost carriers. Burlington is just over 100 miles from Montreal.
Brian Searles, director of aviation of Burlington International, says the Canadian market "has always been part of our base," but has seen a major uptick recently: "Depending on the season, it appears that Canadian travel is now between 40% and 50% of our business."
ROUTE NEWS
Super expansion
At least five airlines have plans to add flights or boost capacity to the Tampa Bay area for Super Bowl XLIII, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Arizona Cardinals.
From Pittsburgh, JetBlue will add non-stop flights to Tampa, a route it currently serves only with connecting service, with two southbound non-stops prior to the Super Bowl and two return flights on Feb. 2, the day after the game.
Southwest, which already has non-stop service between the two cities, will add a flight in each direction.
Two small leisure carriers — Direct Air and USA 3000 — also will add special Super Bowl service from Pittsburgh, with each adding one round-trip flight to the Tampa Bay area.
Phoenix fans are also getting extra options for the game. Southwest is adding an extra round-trip flight to Tampa, while US Airways is using larger aircraft on some of its flights.
On Jan. 29, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, US Airways will upgrade to an Airbus A321 on one of its two daily Phoenix-Tampa round-trip flights, giving the carrier an extra 33 seats per flight.
AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
Only five more years …
A new 20-gate concourse will replace the existing terminals at Dallas Love Field, the home airport of Southwest Airlines. The effort is part of a $519 million capital improvement project. Work is expected to conclude in 2014, the year that the last of the Wright Amendment rules restricting long flights at the airport are lifted.
"For nearly 30 years under the Wright Amendment, Dallas had no real incentive to improve its Love Field airport," Southwest spokeswoman Beth Harbin says. "We're as pleased as can be that when those travel restrictions finally roll off in 2014, Dallas travelers also will have a shiny new airport that better serves their needs and tastes."
The latest state to poach Canadian fliers: North Dakota
Add North Dakota to the list of U.S. border states where airports are poaching fliers from more expensive airports in Canada. The Winnipeg Free Press writes "Winnipeg's Richardson International Airport is getting some unlikely competition from its puny siblings in North Dakota, in a battle that's giving Manitobans -- and other Canadians living in cities all along the border -- cut-rate fares to sunshine destinations and elsewhere."
The Free Press adds the "Winnipeg Airports Authority says it's starting to feel the effect of the growing trickle of Manitobans heading to Grand Forks and Fargo to take advantage of low-cost airfares to places like Las Vegas and Orlando for half the cost of the same flight from Winnipeg." The arrival of discount carrier Allegiant Air to Grand Forks and other North Dakota airports has been cited as a particularly big draw for Canadian fliers.
The Free Press adds the "Winnipeg Airports Authority says it's starting to feel the effect of the growing trickle of Manitobans heading to Grand Forks and Fargo to take advantage of low-cost airfares to places like Las Vegas and Orlando for half the cost of the same flight from Winnipeg." The arrival of discount carrier Allegiant Air to Grand Forks and other North Dakota airports has been cited as a particularly big draw for Canadian fliers.
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