Canadian Drivers License...No Smiling!!!!

[midi]

I don't differentiate between Americans or Canadians. It used to be all one land. Anyway... people are inherently the same anywhere you go, the only difference is cultural things. Once you get to know people and vice versa, we're all ok.

I agree that Canadian customs is better to deal with in general than the American side. Some of those officers think they've got to prove their testosterone. But, I've encountered some pretty nice ones on the Am side too.

 

[anthony]

Interesting.... funny, yet interesting.

 

[catjudo]

...her being ticked over the retarded temperatures we've been having...

Off topic, I realize, and I don't want to hurt your feelings or cause any sort of argument or debate but I find this sort of misuse of the word "retarded" to be quite offensive.

 

[Grama-Herc]

OK guys, lets NOT start this debate or issue again. To many people got their feelings hurt the last time this monster raised it's ugloe head and it just is not worth it and besides===Why did you have to bring it up in the first place? Just let is slip by, unnoticed and ignored. JMHO

 

[midi]

I agree with Herc. Think of the context and intent. Let it go.

 

[Riggs413]

As for the original question by Pandora and commented on by Midi, it is exactly for the reason that the facial recognition software works better if you are not smiling. There are other factors as well such as lighting and whether it is full on or at an angle etc.

They are doing this as the Ontario government is trying to better secure our Driver's Licences as a document that can be used to cross the border into the U.S, which uses facial recognition software far more than we do.

They use it at the borders, airports etc obviously but have also used it at SuperBowls and such. An article I read some time ago said that at a SuperBowl (don't remember which one it was) they ended up arresting two dozen people on outstaning warrants from scanning the crowd with FRS for terrorists.

One final thought, maybe Americans are now nicer than us Canucks, what with their new enlightened President and all. :occasion:

 

[Frankie]

Funny thread......Americans vs Canadians...all because of not smiling :smile:.....Good thought Riggs ! maybe it's all due to the new President :wink:

Funny story regarding not smiling.....A coworker had to go renew her passport and have a passport done for her 2 year old son. Now, we have to keep in mind that when we take pictures of little ones....we always tend to say "look this way, give a big smile"....and of course with the smile comes 'cheese".....

Well, her little one was getting ready for the picture and the girl tells him "ok, now I am taking the picture" and of course he says "cheese" and gives a big smile !! It took them many of several tries to explain to him " No smiling, no saying cheese!!!" and for several tries he would be "cheese" and a huge smile !!! :smile: I think he finally stopped smiling after 6 tries !!