So, after a wholly unsatisfying assignment petered out in Denver, fate finds me here in Manhattan. I begrudgingly accepted an assignment here because, well, frankly there wasn't anything else that really compared to the offer I was made. Unfortunately, this will mean once again spending an extended period away from my wife and daughter (oh yeah, and the dog). I had just got them moved to the Denver area, when things started flopping (note my absence from the forum these past couple months, the gestapo came down on me at work). But I rant senselessly...

With all the restrictions on methods of protection and security here, it appears I will be a rogue of sorts. I don't plan on deliberate criminal activity mind you, but it seems the sensible thing to do to, um, be prepared??? Now where have I heard that before...

I still have my usual ETS items, sans my big blades, my arsenal as it were, and a few other choice goods. Anyone wanna take a shot at giving me a little urban refresher on commuter equipment and supplies, what to have at hand in an apartment in an urban environment such as this?

For now, I am just waiting for my new employer to ship my goodies to me. I had just got my cast iron cookware shortly before I left Denver, so now I am waiting for it to show up here. Doing dutch oven cooking on my porch ought to catch the eyes of the locals (heh heh). Images of Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies comes to mind. You won't find chicken beaks and pigs feet in any of my pots, though.

Coming from 6,400 feet elevation back down to sea level to live actually feels relaxing. I find it easier to fall to sleep at night here, despite the noise and the anxiety.

One thing's for sure, this is still better than Baghdad.

Learn to make a limp, and carry a good cane. Or be very british, and take a quality umbrella with you. Not one of those sword stick toys, just something you can do a good thump with.

Man, that sucks. But at least you can meet up with a few of the forumites in your neck of the... well, not woods. You know about the Sullivan Act, right? "Nuff said - stay out of that sort of trouble.

Upstate NY can be nice - although last fall I was dismayed to see how much/far surburbanization has spread out around formerly small towns. Helps a lot if you know some folks upstate, of course. It's hopefully not as horrifying as it must have first seemed <grin> - there are upsides.

Hope all turns out well for you and your family. Please keep us posted - and again, there are several forumites you could actually get to meet.

Best wishes,

Tom

Denver to Manhattan... you have my condolences <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Good to hear from you again Ben... hope you find yourself in friendlier surroundings soon. As to how to deal with where you're at... I don't know, I try to avoid such places like the plague <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Troy

Hmm... you can read this just as well as I can, and it seems a knife isn't really a problem. I would check with local LEOs and maybe an ADA to make sure it's okay to carry something like a LM Wave or pocket folder. I *KNOW* I've seen NYC construction guys (both independant and city workers) with a LM pouch before. But that's been maybe 6 years ago, so things may have changed.

If not, they have pretty lengthy rules of what you can't carry, but a sturdy umbrella like one of these guys, seems like a smart way to go.

Yep, the Sullivan act isn't too friendly, and it's just as bad in Jersey. In fact some guy just passing through spent a lick in the pokey in Newark due to an unexpected layover and the fact that he was packing a firearm in his luggage (legally declared and transported from a Fed perspective, but apparently not allowable by the state, litigation pending).

I suppose toting a good thumping stick disguised as an umbrella is about the best I can hope for. Wearing my Shemaugh is also a big help, a lot you can do with a good scarf these days. I suppose if things got too anxious, I could just tote a sobe bottle around with me (another suggestion for something to use aboard a plane too). You know, a little practice at bottle breaking and it is surprisingly easy to make a decent little sticker outta one. I know, how cliche. Just trying to come up with alternatives.