Video from a Friend

Thom Zelenka produced Phil Valentine's morning show at WTN when I started there in '95. A few years later, he decided to pursue his dreams by moving to NYC and trying to become an actor. After a short return to Nashville, this past year he decided to head for L.A. for another shot at acting. The above video was made by Thom and certainly highlights his photography and wit. Imagine if Jack Black had Seth Rogan's personality - that's Thom.

But I honestly don't know where Thom got that "hardman" haircut like Patrick received in Coupling.

Would it be a gift or an insult?

There is a man I see probably, at least once, every day walking along Whitesburg Drive. I see him walking north and south at differing times from as far south as the post office and as far north as Airport Road. There aren't any obvious morn vs evening differences, but I see him often enough I probably could discern a pattern if I paid close enough attention. He looks to be in his forties and wears clothes 2-4 sizes too large. His daily uniform consists of white, baggy T-shirts and jeans that somehow cling tightly to the sides of his waist, but droop tremendously in front and back. It seems like he lost a hundred plus pounds and never bought new clothes.

Anyways, I see him walking the road every day. Occasionally he might have a single bag of groceries or something. Otherwise, his hands are in his pockets (holding up his pants?) as he strides along the road. Sunshine or rain, comfortable or 110 degrees; he's walking one way or another. He's never standing, instead always walking like he's got someplace to be. This guy has become such a presence in my life completely without his knowledge. I feel for the discomfort he must feel for all that walking in the various weather conditions. When I've seen him in the rain, he is without an umbrella. I admire whatever strength he has to do this everyday.

Here's where my question comes in...

I would really like to give him like a one-shoulder backpack and a collapsible umbrella. Just a little something that may make the walking a bit easier. I've been considering doing this all summer long, but I can't think of how I should go about approaching him with the gift. I can easily keep it in my car and pull over whenever it's convenient when I see him (which is quite often, as I've mentioned). But what do I say? How do I approach this absolute stranger and give him a backpack and umbrella? I'm not particularly concerned about what he'll think of me, I just don't want him to outright reject it or throw it away when I leave, for whatever reason.

Anyone have thoughts on an approach?