Jay Kottoff, friend and Philly-boy through-and-through. 2012.

Many years ago, I tried potted meat product purchased at a farmer's flea market. I was thrifty then, and the potted meat product cans were three for a dollar. I opened a can at home, scooped a spoonful, and it looked and smelled like Alpo. I threw out the opened can. Years later, I gave the other two to two homeless men who solicited money at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge. I did/do feel guilty about that. The only thing worse than being homeless is being homeless and sick to your stomach.