Amazing but true tales of the homeless from your friendly charlatan:
http://www.kshs.org/people/graphics/brinkley_john.jpg
A roster of the ridiculous was observed by Old Doc at Boulder Shelter for the Homeless last night. To wit:
Trench Foot Boy appeared to be staggering drunk, running around in his bare, rotten feet and stinking up the place; but give him credit for responding to complaints by washing them in a toilet bowl. Quite the homeless ladies’ man, too.
Denver Tough Guy was heard claiming to be a former Marine and Navy SEAL (experienced in “black ops”, which he openly discussed), a member of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, and a Juggalo. Or maybe he said gigolo; Brinkley’s hearing ain’t what it used to be.
Clueless Parolee was heard trying to get someone to help him beat up another homeless resident, the cause of the dispute being a homeless woman currently incarcerated.
Crazy Lady was involved in a prolonged and heated conversation with the pop machine in the day room; Old Doc asked her to let him know later what the machine said in reply, as he was preparing to dine.
The usual bunch of residents in the BSH programs spent more time getting their assigned chores documented (it’s the honor system; nobody is checking) than actually doing them. Yes, this is the normal state of affairs — but it irritates Brinkley so much he just had to mention it here.
Such is life in the bowels of Boulder Shelter.
Wonderful! And is the gentleman pictured a relative of yours?
No, Doc Brinkley isn't a relative, just a famous (or infamous) figure in Great Depression days in Kansas and elsewhere.
I have two semi-famous relatives, both on my father's side: The poet John G. Neihardt of "Black Elk Speaks" and other works (a cousin), and W.L. Weller — the maker of premium Kentucky bourbon (a great-great-great uncle). This may explain a great deal about me; or maybe not.
Maybe, the kids running the BSH should come on down to Samaritan House in Denver and learn how to run a shelter and ensure chores are done correctly. Aside from the intense peer pressure of getting chores done correctly (really cleaning the bathroom), there are chore points (bad) – four points (I think) and you're out! But, I'm not going to get any points, so it doesn't matter to me how many points it takes to get booted. I work in the kitchen.