Urban Survival

NOTE: In an effort to bring greater value to my blog, I am introducing the use of the POP format (Purpose, Outcomes, Process).

P: To bring you knowledge that may prove helpful...someday.

O: To identify strategies you can use

To identify pros and cons to those strategies

To determine the most effective strategy

P: Outline the potential problem (1 paragraph)

List 4 possible strategies

List the most effective strategy

PROBLEM: what to look at when riding a crowded NYC subway (crowded defined as less than 16.75" between you and the people around you).

STRATEGIES

1. Look at the ads on the wall, up by the ceiling. Works well unless a) you are short or b) there are amazons surrounding you


2. Look over at the people sitting down and a) read their paper; b) watch them play video games on their cell phone; or c) see what they're listening to on their IPod. Works well except a) you have to read at the same pace as the newspaper owner - very, very slowly or very, very fast. Sports pages are hard due to font size of scores; b) also difficult visually and annoying if you could outplay them; and c) frustrating - no sound.


3. Try to look (discretely) at what coats people are wearing - get good ideas


4. Look people in the eye. Smile or it will be misinterpreted as threatening. Don't smile too big or people will think you're flirting. Don't smile at anyone muttering to themselves or who smell like they emerged from a swamp - they may start talking back!

MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES

None of the above. Stare at the floor and get off the train as quick as you can!