British tabloid takes syringe past airport security – labels it “terror airport”

by Scott Carmichael on

Leave it to a British tabloid to try and show how dangerous Amsterdam airport is. One of their reporters carried a syringe past airport security, to try and convince us that the airport deserves the name “terror airport”.

Never mind the fact that 1000’s of people carry a syringe through the airport each day (diabetics), or that a syringe on its own isn’t a weapon.

Because the Nigerian would-be bomber used a (filled) syringe and underpants full of powder, the British newspaper draws the conclusion that syringes are now weapons of terror.

They obviously forgot to point out that metal detectors can’t pick up metal objects this small, and that full body scanners won’t be present at the airport for another couple of weeks. I’m willing to bet that none of the UK airports would have detected the syringe either – since all European airports use similar security procedures.

So, in the name of journalism, the Sunday Express creates fake hysteria, brandishing one of the safest airports in Europe a “terror airport”.

Irish bookie taking bets on the next bankrupt airline

by Scott Carmichael on

Irish bookie Paddy Power has a long history of funny and quirky wagers. One of their latest is right up our alley – pick the next airline to go bankrupt. Before you pull out your wallet to bet on the demise of your personal favorite airline, you’ll need to know that Paddy Power does not accept U.S. based customers (blame the government for that).

Those outside the U.S. could make a fortune if Air Force One happens to go bankrupt, though more realistic chances are offered on British Airways and several small European low cost carriers.

The fineprint is simple – the airline must cease operations and ground its entire fleet. Airlines cutting routes or other services do not count. If you were a betting kind of person, what would your money be on? Leave your “bet” in the comments!

Tallinn is more than a winter wonderland

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Yeah, on first glance, Tallinn looks like it was lifted out of EPCOT. The walls around the capital of Estonia, the look and feel of the architecture … the “old city” seems almost staged. But, that changes quickly when you walk the streets, get a feel for the people and scarf down a meal in one of the restaurants. To call it charming is an understatement, with cobblestone roads that date back centuries, reminding you that history is underfoot as much as around you as you trace the winding roads.

I arrived in Tallinn by ferry from Helsinki, which makes it a great side-trip from Finland, though the New York Daily News reports the time to the old city from the local airport is a mere 15 minutes – which is almost impossible to imagine for anyone who has sought Manhattan after landing in JFK.

When I climbed the walls of Tallinn a year and a half ago, I had no sense for the town as a winter wonderland, but looking back, I can see it as a Christmas village waiting to happen. The UNESCO world heritage site (since 1997) is among the best-preserved medieval villages in the world and takes advantage of its unusual look to host a Christmas market that began last year on November 29 and is set to close this week (on January 7).

If Santa isn’t really your scene – or if you wait for warmer weather before visiting – make it a priority to visit the indoor shooting range. Ask for Instructor Tonu to show you the ropes with an AK-47, and have a blast sending rounds downrange. Top it off with a meal at Olde Hansa, and you’re good to go.

[Photo by Tom Johansmeyer]

The next victim in the war on terrorism — the duty free store?

by Scott Carmichael on

Not content with merely harassing passengers at the security checkpoint, German police and pilot unions are calling for a ban on the sale of all flammable products at airport stores.

The ban would include most perfumes and beverages with a high alcohol content. The ban would even extend to disposable razors and metal cutlery at airport restaurants. Of course, a ban like this would most likely be the end of airport duty free stores, who depend on alcohol sales to pay the bills.

A spokesman for the police union had this to say: “The security interests of citizens need to have priority over economic interests”.

Sadly, when we start going down this slope, anything and everything that could potentially be used to start a fire should be banned. Say goodbye to toilet paper, plastic luggage and many sun tan lotions. The concept of naked passengers suddenly seems less insane.

The demand to cease selling these products reminds me of the in-flight entertainment ban that lasted just two days after the Christmas day bomb attempt. Any time there is a (botched) terror attack, people are always quick to point out what they think could be the best way to prevent a repeat.

The best ski resorts in the Alps

by Kraig Becker on

There are few places on Earth that offer better skiing than the Alps. The mountains, which stretch across France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and beyond, offer a mix of culture, history, atmosphere, and amazing slopes covered in some of the best powder on the planet. It should come as no surprise that there are a number of world class ski resorts in the Alps, and British newspaper The Guardian has made their selection of the very best lodges to be found there.

This list of ten great resorts are not listed in any kind of order. Instead, they each come with a qualifier, such as “Best for romance” or “Best for families”. In the case of those two examples, The Guardian suggests Wedelhutte in Austria as a romantic getaway for you and your significant other, and Hamilton Lodge in Switzerland as a fun destination for the entire family.

The more adventurous travelers will want to head to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Hut, located outside of Zermatt, Switzerland. This destination is lauded as the “Best for hardcore skiers”, and Zermatt is legendary for its challenging runs. Others may want to go to Roc de La Peche, in Pralognan, France, named the “Most remote” of the lodges in the Alps.

Other categories include “Best for foodies”, “Best views”, and even “Best-kept secret”, so no matter what you want out of your skiing, there is a location on the list that will cater to your needs. With the New Year now upon us, expect some great deals on airfares to Europe. Don’t forget to pack your warm clothes, and prepare for some fun on the slopes.