Opinion of "IBM" in Europe?
Mar 21st, 2003, 07:14 AM
#21
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This isn't a vanity issue. It's a safety issue, especially considering recent events. Sure, chances are high that nothing will happen but I am not totally confident in my knowledge of foreign countries.
I suppose I can be like some Americans and make a ton of assumptions and act like a moron, instead of turning to the wisdom of fellow travelers here and ask possibly "dumb" questions.
I suppose I can be like some Americans and make a ton of assumptions and act like a moron, instead of turning to the wisdom of fellow travelers here and ask possibly "dumb" questions.
Mar 21st, 2003, 08:25 AM
#23
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I don't know what an FBI logo would be, but I live in Wash DC and there are street vendors all over downtown that sell Tshirts, caps, etc with "FBI" etc on them to tourists. It's very open and lots of tourists wear them, so I'm sure it's legal. Impersonating an FBI agent with false ID would probably be another issue. I've encountered a few FBI agents (don't ask) and they don't wear logos or caps with that on them.
I actually carry a toteback with a company logo I used to work for, which is a nonprofit, but no one would know what it was (except someone else who worked there, probably) as it just looks like someone's name. I just like the bag, it's sturdy and a good size, but I won't carry anything with corporate logos because I dislike the look (including Louis Vuitton, yech).
I actually carry a toteback with a company logo I used to work for, which is a nonprofit, but no one would know what it was (except someone else who worked there, probably) as it just looks like someone's name. I just like the bag, it's sturdy and a good size, but I won't carry anything with corporate logos because I dislike the look (including Louis Vuitton, yech).
Mar 21st, 2003, 09:55 AM
#25
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> C'mon, do you really think that not being fat is that significant in terms of your safety?
Well, just from my experience in France and Italy, Europeans are noticeably thinner and smaller than Americans, on average. When I do see a large person, he/she is usually American, based on the accent I hear if I get closer. Though it's possible they're Canadian.
So, if someone is targeting Americans from a distance, obesity is a good indicator. This is also supported by statistics, too.
> If you're that paranoid, don't take the bag!
One person's paranoia is another person's
Well, just from my experience in France and Italy, Europeans are noticeably thinner and smaller than Americans, on average. When I do see a large person, he/she is usually American, based on the accent I hear if I get closer. Though it's possible they're Canadian.
So, if someone is targeting Americans from a distance, obesity is a good indicator. This is also supported by statistics, too.
> If you're that paranoid, don't take the bag!
One person's paranoia is another person's
Mar 21st, 2003, 09:56 AM
#26
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> C'mon, do you really think that not being fat is that significant in terms of your safety?
Well, just from my experience in France and Italy, Europeans are noticeably thinner and smaller than Americans, on average. When I do see a large person, he/she is usually American, based on the accent I hear if I get closer. Though it's possible they're Canadian.
So, if someone is targeting Americans from a distance, obesity is a good indicator. This is also supported by statistics, too.
> If you're that paranoid, don't take the bag!
One person's paranoia is another person's cautiousness. But I am taking the bag.
Well, just from my experience in France and Italy, Europeans are noticeably thinner and smaller than Americans, on average. When I do see a large person, he/she is usually American, based on the accent I hear if I get closer. Though it's possible they're Canadian.
So, if someone is targeting Americans from a distance, obesity is a good indicator. This is also supported by statistics, too.
> If you're that paranoid, don't take the bag!
One person's paranoia is another person's cautiousness. But I am taking the bag.
Mar 21st, 2003, 10:13 AM
#27
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Since you are concerned enough to ask, I would say dont wear it. Backpacks are inexpensive, just go buy a new one for your own peace of mind.
You are going to go on your trip to enjoy yourself and relax, so why wear it?
You are going to go on your trip to enjoy yourself and relax, so why wear it?
Mar 23rd, 2003, 08:00 AM
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IBM doesn't say "American", it says "IT". London and Spain are as soaked in Global IT companies as the US. I'd only be concerned if your bag looked like a laptop holder, in which case "IBM" would translate as "I'm being mugged".
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