Should overweight people pay extra? Canada says no.

by Grant Martin on

Many airlines in the US state that passengers “needing an extra seat to maintain comfort” must pay for an adjacent seat. Their thought is that since they can’t sell that seat to another person, the passenger occupying part of that seat needs to foot the bill. And this mode of thought has prevailed through to the current age of air travel.

Some overweight members of the community disagree with that policy, however, suggesting that obesity is a disease and citing discrimination against the disabled. This makes carriers’ policy a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and technically illegal. So far, the US government has not interceded in this debate.

The Canadian government, on the other hand, has. Earlier this month the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) mandated that national carriers cannot charge an overweight passenger extra if he or she requires extra seats. The airlines now have a year to accommodate and integrate these changes into their systems.

What do you think? Should we do the same thing in the states?

Seeing old things in new ways

by Martha Edwards on

I’m currently taking an advanced photography class. It’s not the best timing because the class requires a lot of work and my life is quite busy right now, but I enjoy it and that’s what matters. Our first assignment was to take photos of a landmark that my hometown is known for: The Calgary Tower.

It is the most recognized building in our city’s skyline, and the focal point of many postcards. Taking a photo of it would be a snap. But there’s a catch: It has the be photo you wouldn’t see anywhere else. In other words? A non-postcard photo. Hmm. That would be like taking an original photo of the Eiffel Tower. Is it even possible? Are there any angles of the Eiffel tower that haven’t been shot a gazillion times?

I think the art of taking photos lies not just in capturing something usual well, but in capturing something usual in a way that stands out, a way that is unusual but still visually appealing. So I headed out with my camera gear and stalked an object that I’ve seen a million and one times before. And? It was fun, interesting even.

If you’re into photography, I suggest doing something like this: Head to a touristy photography spot with the intent of making your photos different from the rest. Not only will it teach you about photography but it helps you appreciate the ordinary attractions all over again.

%Gallery-14313%

World’s largest snow globe

by Jamie Rhein on

The world’s largest snow globe wouldn’t fit in a carry-on bag even if TSA said you could hand carry-it on a plane. This globe hails from Ontario, Canada. This past December it made its appearance in New York City’s Bryant Park. I became obsessed with finding its subsequent appearances. Who wouldn’t? It’s big enough for people to fit inside thus turning its winter scene to life. What a great concept. This globe is marketing genius.

Considering that I merely came across its picture in regards to an event that already passed–and that compelled me to go on a personal hunt, indicates the power of the largest snow globe in the world.

The quest led me to the WinterinOntario.com Web site that highlights Ontario’s winter wonders. This is exactly what the creators imagined. Created as a promotional tool for Ontario Travel, the snow globe is still on its advertising circuit. These are the places and dates where you can find an Ontario Snow Globe event. [via Gothamist]

January 18-20, 2008 – Winterfest in Hamilton
January 26-27, 2008 – Niagara Falls during the Niagara Ice Wine Festival
February 2-4, 2008 – Bon Soo Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie
February 9-10, 2008 – WinterWorld in Mississauga
February 22-24, 2008 – IceFest in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area

Even more ‘World’s Largests…’

Check ’em out!

Photo of the Day 1-13-08

by Catherine Bodry on

Three dudes, waiting for the subway. I love the colors in this shot by PDPhotography; the silver with the toothpaste green, the drab floor, all constrasting with the sharp black figures and the bright yellow line. Notice how the train seems to blend into the wall on the left side of the photo. The photo might not inspire me to travel to St. George, Toronto, where it was snapped, but it certainly invokes some emotion in me. What that emotion is, I can’t really say.

Have you got some travel photos you think will invoke unspecified emotions, or inspire people to travel? Upload them on Gadling’s Flickr pool and we’ll consider them for our Photo of the Day feature.

When in Canada, try the Nanaimo bar

by Martha Edwards on

Something occurred to me the other day when I was visiting with friends who had just moved here from the states: When someone from another country visits my family and I in Canada, our first step isn’t to take them to the local sites or order them a double double or sit them down with the a copy of Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw. No, the first thing we do is hand them a plate … of freshly baked Nanaimo Bars. Nana-what, you ask?

Nanaimo Bars are a sweet treat that originated in Nanaimo, a gorgeous city on the west coast of Canada on Vancouver Island. According to folklore, they got their start as a pick-me-up; they were baked with love and sent to weary miners from family members as a way to brighten their day. Now, hundreds of years later, these three-layer treats are still brightening days across the country–maybe even across North America–but especially here in the west.

I don’t know how to describe them except for this: It’s a fudge brownie topped off with white creamy custardy icing topped off with a layer of thick chocolate. They’re a little rich, but divinely delicious. You can make them yourself, but I recommend trying them on a visit up north (or down south for you Alaskans.)