The Tipping Jar

I'm not attached to money; loose change, checks, and dollar bills type money that is. I'm keen of course on getting paid, buying things, and all that jazz. Just wouldn't mind doing away with the coin purse and the check book.

If I lived out in the suburbs, what they call here Chicagoland, I could get by without touchable money. We've come that far with Direct Deposit, Debit/Credit Machines, internet banking and such. It's hard to find a business in the 'burbs, even the few mom and pop types, that don't take cards. But I live in the city and in here it ain't that easy.

Sure I got my Direct Deposit going, my money cards, internet bank account. I've even got Transit cards and toll passes that are funded automagically from one of my money cards. But I'm still gonna hit a parking meter that only swallows coins. I'm still gonna have to tip a valet here and there. Besides that Chicago is a city that still embraces the little business man and he still doesn't do cards (though he might take a check if he knows you).

No, as much as I embrace the new technology I'll keep getting cash back at the FairPlay Food & Liquor down the street, so I can pay the roasted corn man on the corner or the Italian place down the block or get a beer from Steve's tap room. I'll keep that change in my purse until the last little business man can afford to get on board with this stuff. Yes, I'll keep my purse until we figure out what to do about the musician's tip jar.

That figuring out isn't too far off though I reckon after what I did this weekend.

Went down to the Co-Prosperity Sphere for the raging Hallucinogenic Print Show. Got to tripping on a bunch of that stuff and had to have one by Leif Goldberg (that's the pic on top). Tricia wanted a piece by Dan Grzeca (it's the bird in this pic...and that's my buddy Keith Herzik's work right under it). Well anyway, we didn't bring that much cash but no worries they had wifi. We Paypal-ed that transaction on the spot.

Now, replacing the musician's tip jar with a laptop so folks can Paypal their appreciation is a bit much I guess. But that stuff's gonna get easier soon for sure. We'll all be iPhoning it in. Until then, I'll keep some change in my pocket for the buskers.

More pics from the event here. You should really check them out. Most are fine art prints but some are show prints.