Look out!

Beware an aggressive panhandler on Lincoln Street between Surface and Summer Streets (near the new Starbucks). He is a white male in his early 20's. He will tell you a story about how he, his wife and new baby are stranded in Boston and need money for the train back to Maine. He is very agressive and gets angry if you turn him down. What's the twist? A week later, when he gave me the same story, in the same location, I told him: "You told me this same story last week." This time, he just walked away with a defeated look. Remember, if you feel threatened by anyone on the street, just call "911".

This is a charitable time of the year. If you want to help the homeless, my suggestion is to give to organized charities such as Pine Street Inn, Rosie's Place, St. Francis House etc. -- that way you have some comfort it will be put to good use. Alas, people are not always who/what they say they are.