Standing Tall

We just returned from a nice break for a family Christmas in Cowtown (Ft. Worth, TX). I got to ride both ways in yet another too-small airplane - on this occasion, an Embraer courtesy of US Airways, who seems to believe that these little crackerboxes whose aisleways and restrooms can barely accommodate someone who's six feet tall are quite adequate for a 3 1/2 hour flight.

I hate to end this rather painful year on a grumbling note, but as 2008 gives way to a new one with new possibilities, I think it's time to rise up to my full height (6'6") and talk down to some of those who have made being tall a real pain - and salute those who have rejected "heightism" and made life just a little bit better for big guys.

Thumbs-down to every airline that won't take an extra step to accommodate a tall person in an appropriate seat. Thumbs-up to the occasional savior at the gate who takes pity on the tall person with a quickie seat reassignment.

Thumbs-down to the sadistic interior designer who spent the '80s and '90s in the Marriott organization designing utility soffits that hang over the bathroom sink at forehead level. (Brush, lean, spit, indent scalp.). Thumbs-up to those few hotels I've found that offer California king beds.

Thumbs-down to SUV designers who think that loading up a bloated center console with buttons, screens and features is more important than creating legroom for the driver whose sole reason for buying the big rig is to be able to push the gas and brake pedals without having his knees in his chest. Thumbs-up to the designers of my 2004 Acura MDX who got it right - I may need to drive that vehicle forever.

Thumbs-down to the taxicab sedans in Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities whose driver security panels seem to be made of battleship steel, giving me nowhere to put my legs, let alone trying to turn my feet around. Thumbs-up to the occasional taxi driver who comes along in a minivan, SUV or Lincoln sedan - may their numbers increase (and their gas mileage improve).

Thumbs-down to hotels and restaurants who equip their conference and dining facilities with low, rigid chairs with backs that hit me in the ribs. Thumbs-up to the growing trend in restaurants to make bar-height seating (with nice tall stools that frequently have backs) one of the dining room options. And thumbs-up to the Herman Miller salespeople who manage to talk some of the best hoteliers into equipping their conference rooms with Aeron chairs.

America is growing taller. Let's hope that in 2009, American seating, bedding, and shower heights grow with it. Happy new year.