Advice Goddess Free Swim
I'm packing to go home from a truly fantastic Human Behavior and Evolution Society conference in Vancouver, BC. So...you pick the topics. I'll try to post more on Sunday.
Oh, and happy Fourth of July, fellow Americans.
It was "Canada Day" here the other day -- which is kind of like the Fourth of July, from my cursory understanding of it.
The Canadians are so cute. They're even nice to you when you go through Canadian Customs, and it's pretty there in the airport. They have art on the walls and nice friendly employees to help you.
Contrast that with Customs at LAX. Linoleum floors, hard lighting, and employees screaming at you. It's like that old TV show "Oz" contrasted with, oh, Mr. Rogers or something.
P.S. Oh, and back to the "You post" thingie: One link per comment or my spam filter will eat your post.
I visited Vancouver and Victoria several years ago. It was beautiful, clean, polite, and a lot of fun.
Conan the Grammarian at July 3, 2016 7:07 AM
I was mostly at the conference, but it's sparklingly beautiful here, and people are really nice.
I'm through security and Customs. The Customs guy was decent and nice, but about the surly and useless TSA workers, after I got Starbucks a few minutes ago, it occurred to me: Wouldn't it be nice if the people at "security" were as nice to you as the people who work at Starbucks?
And you could say it doesn't fit with their "mission," but frankly, they are upcycled mall workers in cop-like uniforms who miss 95% of the bombs, guns, etc., in security tests. It's all a show.
Amy Alkon at July 3, 2016 8:40 AM
My worst experience with customs ever was going into Toronto on business. I got questioned for 1/2 hour on what I had with me.
I have been to B.C. a couple of times and it has always been beautiful and clean.
I wonder how much the "customers" have to do with the workers attitudes. At Starbuck's people are generally happy to be there and want to be there. At security people generally don't want to be doing that drill. I imagine it has gotten worse... I had job in the mid to late 90s where a flew a lot and security then was not much of a hassle...well, compared to now.
The former banker at July 3, 2016 9:38 AM
Glad you enjoyed the conference and Vancouver. I love Vancouver. My two favorite places are Stanley Park (it's the kind of urban park I wish Seattle had) and Granville Island Public Market.
I also like the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge in North Vancouver and beautiful Lake Garibaldi, reachable via a hike, on the road to the Whistler/Blackcomb ski area.
JD at July 3, 2016 12:04 PM
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/opinion/sunday/the-myth-of-cosmopolitanism.html
I R A Darth Aggie at July 3, 2016 2:18 PM
I experienced the same thing last year on a road trip that took me through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, along with several New England states. The Canadians were nice and proved willing to talk to strangers. Compared to Canada, the US seems to be a meaner country.
mpetrie98 at July 3, 2016 7:51 PM
A good sign:
LGBT Gun Group Membership Spikes After Florida Shooting
mpetrie98 at July 3, 2016 8:54 PM
Let us know when you come to the right side of Canada (aka Quebec). We'll roll out the red carpet ;-)
Earl Wertheimer at July 4, 2016 2:38 PM
Earl:
If Canada were a pair of jockey shorts, Quebec would be the skid mark!
And Amy: love the article, and love your site. Please don't call us cute...you might as well pat us on the head while your at it.
wtf at July 7, 2016 11:22 PM
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