My son and I went into downtown Seattle today to have lunch and to do some exploring. My son wanted to go to the food court at Westlake Center Mall for lunch. (Westlake is a central location downtown; the southern endpoint of Seattle's monorail train.) Jake got a Happy Meal from McDonald's... "The toy this week is a Bakugan!"... because it's all about the toy. I got a bowl of soup from McKinley Soups. We found a table and started to eat.

Seated at a table nearby us were two women and a boy about Jake's age whom I noticed also had a Bakugan toy. As I was watching, along came three teenager-ish kids, two boys and one girl. I'd say they were somewhere between 15 and 18 years old and they looked a little rough. They walked up to this other table and spoke to the women. I thought they were asking for money. Nothing was exchanged and they quickly walked off. I was glad they didn't try to hit me up for money (which happened at least three times while I was downtown today).

After a while I noted that the women and boy were getting ready to leave and immediately the three teens returned to their table. Before the two women even got up from their chairs the teens reached into the middle of their table and removed the women's half-eaten meals. One teen picked up a soda cup from the table and immediately started sucking from the straw as if it was his own drink. They all three sat down at a nearby vacant table and devoured the remaining food -- using the women's used utensils -- as if they hadn't eaten in days. The two women and boy were long gone so I do not believe these teens were acquainted with them.

I've seen a lot of strange things in downtown Seattle but this was certainly one of the stranger. I guess they were homeless/runaway street kids getting lunch anyway they could. At least that's how it appeared to me.

Huh. If they were to do that to me, they would lose an arm. No one steals MY food. xD

I once had a homeless woman come up to me in San Francisco because she saw me drinking a Pepsi and wait until I finished it so she could take the can.

Sad to see that, but scary at the same time--more so now that I have a child of my own.

I've had to eat leftover lunches and did plenty of dumpster diving as well. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to keep going. Maybe these kids are homeless or something. I certainly wouldn't pass judgement on anyone for surviving and it sounds as if they might have cleared the situation with the original diners too. That would have been the hardest part for me. Approaching someone and asking for help or a handout would make me feel less...vital. I'm sure if I was hungry enough I would probably get over it though.

I bought a slice of pizza once for a "homeless" gentleman in Pioneer Square. He promptly turned around and fed it to the pigeons. Hmm. I thought he looked hungry -- my bad. And it's a shame - it makes me now want to do that again.

Perhaps they were Freegans...

They could have been "Freegans", Souix. They certainly looked the part. Since the slightly disheveled look seems to be "in" amongst the Seattle teen crowd it's hard to tell the true street kids from the millionaires' kids.

since the seattle especially is pushing the green movement perhaps it was to cut down on food waste?!

That little pizza joint in Pioneer square is a blessing at 1am in the morning!

These guys are probably causing homeless people to starve!

I've had to eat leftover lunches and did plenty of dumpster diving as well.

I think preferred term to "dumpster diving" is rescuing americana.

I think preferred term to "dumpster diving" is rescuing americana.

The crows I had to compete with didn't know the difference.

Dumpster diving can be hazardous to your health.

http://billingsgazette.co...002e0.html

I'd make a joke, but I like having a job.

I was at Famous Dave's BBQ having lunch with my wife when a older couple walked by (late 70's or early 80's) the little lady said to her husband that looks good and they stopped so he could look. She asked what I was eating and then poked by my corn bread muffin several times with her finger asking "what is that". I replied that was the muffin I was going to eat and hit her in the head with a bottle of catsup.

Mostly true story.

Chuck,

That, sir, is the best thing you have ever posted. I applaud you.

Salud!

Except that it's "ketchup," not "catsup."

Chuck:

Mostly true?

Was it a bottle of "Devil's Spit" instead?

In the original story, the role of the "little old lady" was played by Chuck. And he stole some old lady's corn muffin. When she chased after him, fell and broke her hip, he turned around, threw what was left of the muffin at her head and said, "Boo-ya, beeyotch!"

He then went home to post his account of the story on milescity.com.

In all seriousness, Chuck, you should take into account cultural differences. In the "little old lady's" culture, it's perfectly acceptable to touch other people's food.

You're just lucky she wasn't a Blackfoot. She would have split you from crotch to gullet for eating one of "her" corn muffins. Jerk.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (10/12/2009)]

The above taken directly from http://www.cricketsoda.com

Your link doesn't work, Heath. What exactly was taken from www.cricketsoda.com?

Uh, I would say just about all of your childish humor.
http://cricketsoda.com

Why don't you step on up, big guy? Put your money where your mouth is, Heath, and show me where I plagarized something. Prior to your first attempt at posting a link, I had never even heard of www.cricketsoda.com.

Oh, wait ... I sampled one of Jimbo's greatest hits. Oops. I guess I should be flogged for the "crotch to gullet" reference.

Here's a free tip, Heath. People who use the term "ballsucker" usually aren't the best of authorities when it comes to what is and what isn't childish.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (10/12/2009)]

Still waiting, Heath.

I think you two need to find a dark alley somewhere and settle this once and for all.