East Coast.... West Coast

[Prodigy Almighty]

I haven't been to Toronto in quite a few years... I lived on the American side, in the 'burbs of Buffalo, NY, until recently. I want to go to Niagra again...

[Kaiser Hasan I]

You lived in Buffalo? I've only been there just briefly but I have to say. American cities terrify me. I don't know what it is, whether its the filth or the roving gangs or the general seediness, but a place like Buffalo? Wouldn't even slow down to ask for directions. You Sir, are a braver man than I.

[Jacobus Loki]

There are even worse places than Buffalo.

[Gman Russell]

Maybe it's because I grew up around american cities, but it's not that hard to avoid trouble in a big city, you just need to know some rules:

1. Don't look like your a tourist, even if you are.
2. Don't give money to beggers. People are allways watching, and if you have money enough to give beggers, then your worth robbing.
3. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, avoid the back pockets, or any loose pockets where you cant feel it.
4. Watch out for Graffiti tags on the walls. Sounds movie-ish, but if you know the territory your in, your alot safer (if you know the local gangs, if not, enjoy their beautifull art then run).
5. Sounds racist, but watch out for the biggest race group in the area. If you end up in the wrong side of town where your a minority (regardless of what race you really are), you stick out and your a mark.
6. Avoid alleys, especially after dark.
7. Don't look like your money, even if your loaded.
8. Local city guides do wonders to fill you in on where to go and what to avoid.
More to come. Anyone have anything to add, or disagree with what i've posted?

Optional: Keep a weapon on you if your proficient with it, something small and hard to trace. No guns. Mace or pepper spray is even better.

[Kaiser Hasan I]

Yeah those tips are true to most cities. The issues are the same anywhere, it's just that the punishment for not following the guidelines is a lot more severe. You have to remember, It is extremely, extremely rare for police to search and seize an illegal weapon any larger than a handgun. Once a decade they find an automatic weapon and it usually becomes an issue of national concern. So if I get attacked in Toronto or Vancouver, its likely only going to be with a knife or a .22 pistol. Whereas from what I gather, that was LA 30 years ago.

[Orion]

Buffalo is like a walk in the park compared to some Connecticut cities like New Britain or Bridgeport. People there tell you not even to stop your car on the highway because you'll get shot. Even in Springfield (MA) all you hear about is someone getting murdered at least once a day... I don't know what it is around here, maybe it's the water...

Anyhoo, yes, I know how the metal bands love Toronto. That's another reason I want to head north.

[Kaiser Hasan I]

I met a metal band from Texas once. Their lead singer was standing on the street corner screaming because he couldn't figure out why our convenience stores don't sell beer. So I had to direct him to the license board where he just about shit himself he was so angry. Which is hilarious if you consider the fact that the guy was basically dressed like a black dragon.

[Prodigy Almighty]

I didn't go into the city often (remember I said I was from the 'burbs), and besides, I moved from Buffalo when I was like 12...

Now I live in the 'burbs of Philly, the "City of Brotherly Love" and the murder capital of the US! Oh, irony...

But yeah, when I visited Germany, everyone was really laid back... unlike a US city, in which half the people are really shifty and look like they'd shiv as soon as talk to you (a likely outcome if you try to talk to them).

[hypatias mom]

Not all US cities are like that, Here in the SF Bay area we have several cities with that kind of danger lurking around the corner, butr there are also many where it is relatively safe; where serious crime is rare and murder almost non-existent. You basically have to check things out before generalizing. And even in some of the more violence-prone areas, I'm sure there aee patches of sanity.

[Kaiser Hasan I]

And then there is Florida. It's a place I will never understand. There are areas which are basically apartheid it's so segregated.

[Erik Mortis]

Fuck Oakland! with a brick in it...

[hypatias mom]

Not all parts of Oakland are the danger zones that the news would have us believe they are. And even in Richmond I am sure there are pockets of sanity. Don't generalize gang territory and violence to entire cities--generally speaking, these are isolated, blighted aeas.

And many American cities are peaceful, and their ethnically mixed populations live together harmoniously.

[Tahmaseb]

Sounds like a perfectly normal third world country.

*runs*

[Erik Mortis]

right.


No.. I hate oakland.. It has done nothing good for me...

[hypatias mom]

I'm sorry to hear that, Erik. I have enjoyed many parts of Oakland, and avoid the problem areas.,

[Erik Mortis]

It's a black void of urination! It is devoid of convenient.. or even accessible toilets...

[Jess]

Like our ac land!

ution!

[Erik Mortis]

We will bring freedom to the workers of Oakland?

[Jess]

Yes! Down with San Fsco!

[Erik Mortis]

Those capitalist bastards and their big buildings..

[Kaiser Hasan I]

All buildings must be 100 floors minimum! And made of diamonds mortared in place with the blood and bones of the peasants!

[Aurangzeb Khan]

We will bring freedom to the workers of Oakland?

There are workers in Oakland?

[Erik Mortis]

It's port city for one thing...and has an industrial center. I drive through it on my way home to San Jose.. yay for the 580->80->880 Freeway set up.

[Kaiser Hasan I]

hah! You have a car and you call ME an Imperialist!

[Jess]

Yeah! Workers of the world unite!

[Erik Mortis]

Every workers should have a car. It's their right as workers!

[Jess]

Just like one meal a day! Its a right!

[Erik Mortis]

I like my three meals...

[Jess]

Bread Water!

[Aurangzeb Khan]

And a decent claret. These are the workers absolute rights!