Author Gay Talese has handed out twelve hand-made signs to poor people asking for money on the Upper East Side, explaining that they needed "topical" wording for these tough times.

Talese typed new signs on dry-cleaning cardboard, according to the NY Post. The journalist who wrote The Kingdom and the Power and the famous essay "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" thought that these poor people should carry signs that focused on current news: "Please support Pres. Obama's Stimulus Plan. Begin right here."

Here's more, as the author explained to the Post: "This is a little gimmick that may help them earn a few more dollars...The word is stimulus. If you were more up to date, you might get the attention of more pedestrians." (Via FishbowlNY)