baby, baby
 

She still looks decent - but not as good now that its public information that some other dude was first to give her the tube steak.

Child Tatooing
 

I figured as much, but was too lazy to check Snopes or the equiv. A well done fake, however; up there with the bonsai kitten website.

Child Tatooing
 

I wish I had called CPS about my dentist when I was a kid. The guy had a sadistic bent and liked to yell at the kids on his chair. He'd never let the parents come back with the kids, and he'd pull and prod and yell and tell us that we were making too much noise, and if we dared cry, he'd just pull our mouths open wider. It didn't matter if all you needed was a cleaning or if he was drilling (and I swear he was trying to save money on novacaine by not giving full doses to us); he'd be nasty and mean and terrifying through the whole visit. Then he'd go talk to my mom and be all sunshine and roses while we put our jaws back in place and tried to keep the tears to a minimum level.

As an adult, I realize that it's a bad position to be in, but this guy just hated kids and his practice was entirely pediatric. I explain that dental history now, and I am incapable of sitting in a dental chair without tensing, even if I'm just flipping through a people magazine.

Beggars Don't Sock
 

Some of you that work on the K Street portion of D.C. will well remember the abusive homeless guy that used to insult you or call you names as you walked by.

One story goes that he would routinely solicit donations by the comment, "Hey fuckhead, get a job so that you can give me some money."

Beggars Don't Sock
 

In her defense, there are many many psychotics on the streets who are in serious need of hospitalization. The larger the city, the bigger the problem. Catch and release.
If you can stay arms length (or spitting distance) from them, you are so much safer.
Granted, if you're seeing the same people (they work in shifts) on a regular basis, then you can offer some pleasantries. But I'm in favor of safer than sorry.

Beggars Don't Sock
 

I should have been more clear. I initially said that I had no change. I ignored him while he proceeded to follow me for two blocks.

I just get really irritated by people begging in general, and especially when they try to turn it into me being a bad person* for not helping them. I have bought food for people begging and given it to them (many years ago now, learned my lesson) and had them throw it on the ground and say they wanted my money, not food. Fuck that.

*I am a bad person, but not because I refuse to give money to beggars.

Sadistic Dentist
 

That just reminded me of that pharmacist who was arrested for diluting chemo drugs for profit. Horrible!!

Child Tatooing
 

Let's see Snopes rebut this: http://www.ntv.co.jp/channel/asx/hkzkt10.asx

(low-budget Matrix ping pong)

Beggars Don't Sock
 

TM's wrong, of course. Responses are definitely more dangerous. The one time I responded "sorry, I don't" it was to a neatly dressed woman who made the usual "I need money to get a bus to go home" pitch. She then started screaming in the middle of the street. I'd rather (and do) spend the energy to put the pressure directly on my legislature to make sure people have enough food, a decent place to live and the mental health care they need than have to respond to every plea I get in the gauntlet I have to go through on the way to work.

cheapshot alert
 

quit picking on chef when he isn't here to defend himself, you bully!

Beggars Don't Sock
 

I like your moxie in standing up to this cheapshot thug. You go gal!!!!!

Beggars Don't Sock
 

I don't want to have TM go off on a rant here, but there are times when it is appropriate to ignore the homeless. Like when they treat CT Avenue at rush hour like its a fucking lounge chair- leaning against the tree box and stretching their legs into the street so you either have to jump over them or walk arounde (like theire is room) if you dont trip over them. If they want some change, show some respect to the people who are trying to walk home from work at ruch hour who have the "spare" change they want. Jesus.

Beggars Don't Sock
 

I agree. Just today I responded to the "do you have any spare change" question with "No. Fuck off."

Seriously. I was in a really bad mood this morning, and the man tried to hit me up before I got out of the taxi. I usually say "Sorry, not today" but he caught me at the wrong time.

Does someone have the link to the story that claims that people who peddle for change make approximately $12/hour tax free?

Most of the time I follow some pretty strict rules for handing out money:

(1) If someone is trying to entertain me (and I am subsequently entertained), I will give them money. If I didn't I would be unjustly enriched. The violin player on the Grand red line stop always brings a smile to my face. Very relaxing. The guy who sings Michael Jackson gets quarters.

CAVEAT TO THIS RULE: If said entertainer is entertaining me with much too expensive equipment, he/she gets no money. For example, guy with electric guitar and $300 amp.

(2) Physical disability (missing limbs, blindness, etc.): it's almost impossible to not give them money.

(3) Giving change depends on the amount asked for. If the beggar asks for "spare change", that's okay. However, if the person says, "do you have a dollar I can have?", I'll mumble something about inflation and briskly walk away...


The guy who tries to sell paper copies of The Onion (it's free) by saying "Satire! Only ONE dollar!" cracks me up...

Beggars Don't Sock
 

Yes, my sweet child? What can the lord do for you?

Beggars Don't Sock
 

I agree with TM. I always make eye contact and say "Sorry, haven't got any" when asked if I have spare change. Sometimes I will even pat my pockets for effect.

But I think men and women will generally handle these situations differently. My wife always chooses to ignore rather than say "no". Many women believe giving acknowledgment to a homeless man may result in unwanted attention.