[monster]

I never give money for nothing. Now I'm used to it and able to expect it, when we roll up as tourists in cities like Chicago, New Orleans... I have several singles ready in my pockets for the guys who turn up with "advice" for stuff to see and a "free" street map/visitors guide etc. When we first hit Chicago after being here only a few months, I felt mugged by the guy who gave our kid in a stroller a postcard then demanded money for his service. But now I expect it, it's Ok, i can live with it. they're earning their money in their own way. if they're rude or pushy or frighten me or my children, they can piss off, though.

Other than that, I usually have supplies of bottled water in the car and if it's a hot day and I have one to hand, I'll offer one to the guys who stand at the freeway exits. Sometimes pieces of fruit. But they do annoy me with their "will work for food" signs. call me cynical, but they're positioned in a place where no-one can stop to negotiate this deal "work" or is even in a frame of mind to think what they might need doing. They just want money, which is fine, but I hate dishonesty. I guess it works for them.