Rough Trade

The creepy guy who sells rock and roll memorabilia from a folding table on the sidewalk spins his spiel to every passerby, and I'm no exception.

"That's a signed letter from Lou Reed about an album he was recording, and I could let it go for seven hundred dollars."

"And if I had that kind of money, I'd be happy to give it to you," I reply, laughing.

"Well, if you have anything to trade, you never have to use cash with me," he says in that smooth, oily voice he has.