August 2008 Archives

He's a standout and very popular with the tourists. He'll wave to you to come to him and point to the box for you to stand on. Who wouldn't want to be photographed with Mr. Liberty, holding up the torch and being draped in the American flag?

Until you step down and he points to the cash box... you discover in small type... "$3 Picture."

What he's doing is fine and dandy, he even has his "Certificate of Authority" by the "New York State Department of Taxation and Finance" posted. So if it's a legitimate business, how about putting the price in larger type on the front of the box. Think he'll get as many marks? I doubt. I'll leave it up to you to decide if he's hustling the public or not.

Location: 5th Avenue & 60th Street (New York)

She's soft spoken and acts humble. I see her often but something about her just doesn't ring true. Maybe it's the way she's dressed and her demeanor, that says to me, I'm not really homeless.

Location: Southwest corner of 8th Avenue & 58th Street (New York).

That's the first thing you notice... the hand. Palm up. Rain or shine... hot or cold... always the hand. Palm up.

She's always either sitting on a standpipe or sitting on something inside a seldomly used doorway. Then you notice the sad, long face. She's an old woman and it hits you right in the heart. You feel sorry for her and begin to reach into your pocket for money to drop into the open palm. Don't do it! She's some kooky lady who's decided this is a great thing for her to do. Tax free money!

Over time I've witnessed her changing clothes to make her look more homely and poor. She's even taken new jeans and shredded the bottom edge to look old. In all the times I've seen her, this is the first time she's smiled... for the camera.

Location: 8th Avenue between 45th & 46th Street (New York, NY)