> -----Original Message----- > From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Lennick > Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:56 AM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] **SPAM** [78-l] ARSC Conference report: Day 1 > > D P Ingram wrote: > > On 5 maj 2007, at 05.33, Steven C. Barr(x) wrote: > >> is effectively part of Milwaukee...), leaving only the problem of > >> the new anti-terrorist policies of the US, and a change in the > >> > > > > I know the list isn't the place for this, and maybe the A part of the > > ARSC justifies it being in America, but I am aware of quite a few > > Europeans who have resolutely refused to go to the U.S. for business or > > pleasure due to the knee jerk security reactions that have developed in > > the land in the past few years. Mind you, I understand that it can > > often be quite horrible for Americans "returning home" as well when they > > experience the kind, generous welcome of the Border Guards. Even before > > September 11, the idiocy that was greeting visitors was quite unwelcome. > > > > I can recommend a visit to Finland :) Come and visit the real home of > > Father Christmas and hold the next ARSC away day. > > > > > > I cross the border every two or three weeks (Canada/US, usually in the > Niagara > area but sometimes at Thousand Islands) with nary a problem. I carry a > valid > passport, I leave my attitude at home, I carry documentation or receipts > for > anything I'm bringing over, I take off my sunglasses when being questioned > by > the Customs officials. Granted, I haven't flown into the States in a few > years. > The only odd interrogation I'll receive in fact comes from Canadian > officials, > usually at the Thousand Islands entrance, where they'll ask if I'm > importing > liquor, tobacco, firearms, ammo or pepper spray (I kid you not). Records? > What > are those? (One time I had over a thousand 78s in the car and proof that > they'd > cost me next to nothing, and the guard insisted on knowing "What is the > most > expensive record you bought?" I got sent over for inspection and the > supervisor > looked and said "Oh, yeah..him. Have a nice day.") > > dl The U.S. is not alone. I continually have difficulties entering Canada from the U.S. (I am a U.S. citizen). While serving gratis as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Canadian General Standards Board, I had my passport confiscated for two hours in Ottawa, and was interrogated, including "Why cannot a Canadian citizen do your job?" I followed up with a letter of protest to the appropriate Canadian minister. Instead of an apology, I was put on a list of troublemakers and am always shunted to a long line of immigrants who are awaiting questioning, delaying my trip by an hour or two. Jerry Hartke President Media Sciences, Inc.