How many of you New Yorkers (and newly New Yorkers)...

hey be sure to tell your mom that she should be happy that you're not looking to go to school in DC...I did, and after growing up in NY...never had a problem in NY even in the Bronx...but was subjected to and saw lots of nasty violent stuff in DC...honestly NY is a great place...I think it's more maybe that your mom is worried that you don't give off that 'tough' urban vibe...but hey if you're an actor...I'm sure you can handle it...just pay attention to everyone around you...oh, and don't stare up at the big buildings! that's a total touristy give away...and even if you're lost...walk like you know where you're going...manhattan is a numbered grid it's pretty easy to deal with...just memorize below 14th!

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Updated On: 1/13/05 at 09:16 PM

I was watching "Law and Order" one night and the two detectives were called to the sight of a homicide. The location was the 8th Ave. subway stop at 23rd Street. I almost fell on the floor laughing. If I had a nickel for every time I've been on that platform I'd be a rich woman today. The funniest thing is that I haven't once, EVER, seen a murder or any other kind of crime there. The sad part is that anyone who HASN'T been there is going to see that show and think that people are getting knocked off right and left there and elsewhere. (It's a convenient location for L&O because it isn't that far from Chelsea Piers)

Your mom needs to understand that trouble can happen anywhere. You have to make her understand that you're aware of that fact and that you will never forget that you're in a big city full of all kinds of people - good and bad and that you'll always take proper care of yourself.

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