How have you recession-proofed your wallet?

ADOLFO GONZALEZ, 35, GRAND CONCOURSE, BRONX

So how have you recession-proofed your wallet?

Recession?

Yeah, you know. People are losing their jobs. How are you faring?

Pretty bad, like most of the people. What I do I sell perfumes at a good price because I have really good connection for this.

You smell good.

Really? I don’t use the product. Everyday I have some beer right here to relax, you know. I lose my job, too. I sell perfumes to survive. I just lose my place. I was living in a studio in the Bronx. I paid $100 a week. I have to move to my mom’s house and stay on the sofa.

Is your job difficult?

Yes, very much. I don’t have a permit so the police they see me they going to give me a ticket, maybe put me in jail three days. One I pay money sometimes he leaves me alone. He says, “OK, I don’t arrest you but you should be careful around my friends.” I don’t see what the problem is. I’m not damaging society.

I’d say you’re just creating a bunch of good-smelling people.

Exactly. Maybe if everybody was selling perfumes and not drugs they would not have their jobs either.

Why do you have those tattoo tears on your face? You must have killed at least two people.

No. I have those for my grandfather who died. When I go home to Puerto Rico, when I’m on the bus I always am telling men and boys, “No, I am not in a gang.” They are always wanting to be friends with me. I want to get the tattoos removed but I cannot afford it. Sometimes I put my mother’s make-up on to cover them.

MARGARET, AGE/NEIGHBORHOOD UNKNOWN

Hello, ma’am. Can I take your picture and ask you about penny-pinching?

Yes, of course. But you will need to give me a moment.

OK.

Please back up.

Sure. Is this good?

Farther.

Now?

Back up more, please.

Now?

[Unintelligible mumbling]

GUY PAINTED IN SILVER, “50,” BEDFORD-STUYVESANT

How have you felt the effects of the recession?

The recession is not bothering me because the Lord gives me money.

I mean, I gave you $5. I’m in no way affiliated with Jesus or Allah.

Hold on, let me show you something [rifles through duffle bag, grabs bible]. See right here? “And Moses gave the money [unintelligible] that will redeem them [unintelligible] and the Lord is [unintelligible] to Moses.” That how I get my money. You ask me questions I’m going to answer truthfully. I’m from Brooklyn, homie. I’m gully.

Is painting yourself silver very gully?

Gully, like me keeping it real? Doggone right! Are you from New York?

No. I live here.

I was born here.

You know what? A lot of New Yorkers, like yourself, are just self-glorifying townies. I’m not impressed.

And you gave $5 to who?

Your stupid gully ass.

-PETER MADSEN

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3. WORD ON THE STREET: UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION?
4. WORD ON THE STREET: CATCHER IN THE RYE PT. 1
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