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I am a big fan of Westin Hotel towels and pillows, and after each stay, say to myself that I have to get some for the house. The prices of these items, like most hotel-branded merchandise is usually a little higher than I would pay. However I no longer will have any excuses not to buy them, because there is a new promotion about to begin on February 22nd, which will earn you $100 in amazon gift cards for each two stays at Westin Hotels and Resorts.

Although you can use the gift cards on any Amazon purchase, it looks as though the promotion is timed with the release of Westin Wellness Collection products on Amazon.com.

Stays in Canada and the US at Westin Hotels and Resorts, with arrivals on Sundays to Thursdays, between February 22, 2010 and May 13, 2010 are valid for this promotion. You can earn a maximum of three $100 gift cards during this promotion.

From the Westin Registration Website...

Gift Card claim codes will be emailed within four weeks after your second eligible stay, so you can treat yourself to the Heavenly® pillows, robes or millions of other items at Amazon.com.

• Darren Mak's blog

I Just travelled through the US Gates at Calgary International Airport, and have a few observations!

CATSA staff are checking carryon sizes upon entry to the customs hall! However didn't check mine!

The Customs line was fairly long, but thankfully with Nexus, I was able to get through in under 1 minute, however unlike larger airports where as a Nexus pass holder where you just walk through, in Calgary you have to hand your card to a CBP officer at the desk, and he asked me some questions. I found that kind of strange, as the Nexus program is supposed to allow you to pass through CBP without talking to anyone... Oh well!

Next was the security stations. There is now a pad you stand on, much like you are playing Danca Dance Revolution, that displays a big green LED arrow on a board, indicating whether you go for secondary screening, or through the regular security lines.

I got the regular line!

However through the regular lines, they are still patting down everyone, and searching all of your bags, and items in the bags... Kinda scares me as to what else they are doing in the secondary screening area, but I did hear the snapping of rubber gloves and faint screams coming from that general direction!

But come on Transport Canada, although my total time from enterring the customs hall to sitting at the gate was 7 minutes, stop subjecting us to the added searches! We are the only country doing this for all passengers!

• Darren Mak's blog