Times Square Advice

Times Square has really cleaned up its act in the past few years. No garbage, no street walkers, no one living in cardboard boxes along the sidewalks.

But one thing remains a constant: you do not want to step inside any of those camera shops, even to look around. Those smiling, ingratiating fellows from the friendly nation of Iran Iraq Pakistan are still eager to exchange junk for your wallet.

"See? Berry, berry good quality," the man will tell you in a reassuring voice as he proudly points to a label reading "Made in Japan" -- and keeps a thumb over the price tag worthy of Tiffany's.