Crazy people

**2happy4u** · 07-26-2012, 06:12 PM

I get a WTF every time I see the crazy guy on roller skates with a womans one piece top strapped under his crotch over his shorts playing a trumpet. Center City is now loaded with insane people. Another group flooding the area are teenage bums.

**CountFunkula** · 07-26-2012, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by InYourVacancies

"The streets are flooded with the ejaculate of the homeless!"

Whenever I see some stupid kid walking around without shoes on or deciding to sit down on the sidewalk - I'll remember your poignant words.

**Notcom** · 07-26-2012, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by RainboTeabagger

They have subway stations out west?

I will have you know, sir, that SF opened its first subway stations in 1917...a mere decade after Philadelphia (though the station referenced in the article dates to 1974... and its conversion into a commode is later still.)

**schuylkillraide** · 07-26-2012, 08:22 PM

its a shame they dont tell the people who talk on real phones to shut up

Originally Posted by Litter Box

Yesterday on the bus a lady was talking to herself as if she was on a call phone. The bus driver told her shut up or you're off the bus, silence for the rest of my trip.

**Beutelratte** · 07-27-2012, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by 2happy4u

I get a WTF every time I see the crazy guy on roller skates with a womans one piece top strapped under his crotch over his shorts playing a trumpet. Center City is now loaded with insane people. Another group flooding the area are teenage bums.

That guy has actually been around for at least 15 years. The trumpet is new, but he's always been on roller skates. I didn't notice the women's underwear at his crotch, because he always wore super-tight sport shorts, so I avoided looking in that direction anyway. Funniest part is, 10+ years ago, he used to use the computers at Penn (when you didn't have to use a Penn UserID and Password to gain access). I never did see him go up or down the stairs to the computer lab, though - wonder if he did that on skates, too? I know he wore them in the buildings, and gave anyone a rash of sh** if they told him that rollerskates weren't allowed inside, because it wasn't posted anywhere.

**Volanova** · 07-27-2012, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by 2happy4u

I get a WTF every time I see the crazy guy on roller skates with a womans one piece top strapped under his crotch over his shorts playing a trumpet. Center City is now loaded with insane people. Another group flooding the area are teenage bums.

There does seem to have been a noticeable increase in teenage and 20-something bums lately, especially around Market and JFK between Broad and 20th.

In reality though, what can be done about this? I mean, they have to be coming from somewhere. Is there word out in the bum/hobo community that Philly is a nice place to go because SEPTA has allowed them to take over Suburban and Market East? Fewer (enforced) panhandling laws than New York, maybe? Police that just don't give a damn about it? Lots of do-gooders that will jump to your defense any time you're hassled for taking a crap in the street?

**CountFunkula** · 07-27-2012, 12:14 PM

There are two accordian players in town. One is Pavel - he's an amazing player and you'll see him on Walnut. He gave me his card once and it was just a picture of himself and it said - Pavel on it. I'm guessing - hard to book this guy.

The other accordian player is the more fascinating character. He's usually a few blocks away from Pavel and he appears to be down on his luck. My wife and I call him - "Mittens". It is because when he plays - it sounds like he's wearing mittens. I have yet to hear him play a discernible tune. His donations seem more limited as it is hard to throw in the coins as you are running away and holding your ears.

**bones208** · 07-27-2012, 02:40 PM

I was walking down S. 2nd St. this morning and there was a really creepy homeless guy walking right down the middle of the street. He would take 10 steps or so then stop, crouch down, then get up and take another 10 steps. This was repeated the entire time I saw him. At first I thought he was crouching to hit a bowl or smoke some rocks but when I didn't smell anything or see smoke I figured he was just crazy. This was about 5:45 in the morning. There was a nurse walking down the street to work and she would have to stop every time he crouched down because she didn't want to get too close and I didn't blame her. I'm a big guy and I don't normally get freaked out easily but this guy was radiating crazy and he freaked me the f**k out.

**SouthStMan** · 07-27-2012, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Beutelratte

That guy has actually been around for at least 15 years. The trumpet is new, but he's always been on roller skates. I didn't notice the women's underwear at his crotch, because he always wore super-tight sport shorts, so I avoided looking in that direction anyway. Funniest part is, 10+ years ago, he used to use the computers at Penn (when you didn't have to use a Penn UserID and Password to gain access). I never did see him go up or down the stairs to the computer lab, though - wonder if he did that on skates, too? I know he wore them in the buildings, and gave anyone a rash of sh** if they told him that rollerskates weren't allowed inside, because it wasn't posted anywhere.

I don't think he's EVER taken his skates off! Here he is at Milkboy (11/Chestnut) a few weeks ago ... i LOVE the addition of the trumpet - which he uses as a horn to get through traffic...

**annie** · 07-27-2012, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by CountFunkula

There are two accordian players in town. One is Pavel - he's an amazing player and you'll see him on Walnut. He gave me his card once and it was just a picture of himself and it said - Pavel on it. I'm guessing - hard to book this guy.

I was running to get to the stop before the 21 bus while that guy was playing a Beatles tune (Hey Jude, I think). One of those instant city memories.

**seand** · 07-27-2012, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by CountFunkula

The other accordian player is the more fascinating character. He's usually a few blocks away from Pavel and he appears to be down on his luck. My wife and I call him - "Mittens". It is because when he plays - it sounds like he's wearing mittens. I have yet to hear him play a discernible tune. His donations seem more limited as it is hard to throw in the coins as you are running away and holding your ears.

Yeah that guy is something in his own right because he never seem to get any better, year after year.

**mixiboi** · 07-27-2012, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by Volanova

In reality though, what can be done about this? I mean, they have to be coming from somewhere. Is there word out in the bum/hobo community that Philly is a nice place to go because SEPTA has allowed them to take over Suburban and Market East? Fewer (enforced) panhandling laws than New York, maybe? Police that just don't give a damn about it? Lots of do-gooders that will jump to your defense any time you're hassled for taking a crap in the street?

Sadly Homelessness is UP in EVERY BIG city.

New York City Homelessness: Rate Up 23 Percent (STUDY)

And on top of that people can't afford their medicine, thus...crazy and lost people....

**CountFunkula** · 07-27-2012, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by seand

Yeah that guy is something in his own right because he never seem to get any better, year after year.

although, he has perfected the "accordian as punching bag" technique.

**John Goodman** · 07-27-2012, 05:56 PM

My favorite is the blinged out Asian guy that walks his dog and screams obscenities

**CountFunkula** · 07-27-2012, 06:23 PM

is that the guy that begs while wearing the Gucci sunglasses and the brand new Pumas?

Rather than give him money - I wanted to trade sunglasses.

**guzzijason** · 07-27-2012, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by CountFunkula

is that the guy that begs while wearing the Gucci sunglasses and the brand new Pumas?

Rather than give him money - I wanted to trade sunglasses.

That's hot.

__Jason

**jazzsinger59** · 07-28-2012, 12:03 AM

This guy has been around for years.He may out live many of you.What is the big deal.
Mental sickness is not to be made fun of It is sad.
Bipolar I Disorder - Bipolar I Disorder Treatment | ABILIFY® (aripiprazole)

**RashadZak** · 07-28-2012, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by bones208

I was walking down S. 2nd St. this morning and there was a really creepy homeless guy walking right down the middle of the street. He would take 10 steps or so then stop, crouch down, then get up and take another 10 steps. This was repeated the entire time I saw him. At first I thought he was crouching to hit a bowl or smoke some rocks but when I didn't smell anything or see smoke I figured he was just crazy. This was about 5:45 in the morning. There was a nurse walking down the street to work and she would have to stop every time he crouched down because she didn't want to get too close and I didn't blame her. I'm a big guy and I don't normally get freaked out easily but this guy was radiating crazy and he freaked me the f**k out.

Maybe he was the live action version of QWOP?

QWOP

**szekely** · 07-28-2012, 03:19 PM

Has anyone seen the phantom boxer on the Schuylkill riverwalk? (ok, bike path if you like). He's an African American guy of short stature, and I often see him under a bridge, slowly and gently boxing with ... something that only he can see.

I have seen the trumpet guy at Rittenhouse Square without his skates. It just didn't look right.