New Year's Eve Special

WHEN: November 2008
WHERE: Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh

As a nod to "getting legless" tonight, I offer these two extra doll appendages.

Into Every Life, Some Balls Must Roll

WHEN: December 2008
WHERE: Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh

Not surprisingly, a LOT of balls wind up homeless. This semi-lucky one just missed rolling down the sewer.

Got a Light?

WHEN: November 2008
WHERE: Strip District, Pittsburgh

This finger puppet may have wound up in the gutter, but he looks elated to discover it's a smoker's paradise.

Kermit Laid Off; Results Tragic

WHEN: Ongoing; photo snapped November 2008

WHERE: Bloomfield, Pittsburgh

This auto dealership shut its doors a couple years back, but left one employee behind.

Santa's Not Feeling So Good

WHEN: December 2008
WHERE: Toronto, Ontario
PHOTO: Becky Johnson

It's Christmas in a Can -- a trash can -- for this headless Santa. Happy holidays!

Fish Out of Water

WHEN: November 2008
WHERE: Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
ADDED PATHOS: Rain

While this stuffed fish looks happy to be here, a swim in dead leaves will be short-lived. This cheery little guy is another victim of Pittsurgh's many vacant areas that are steep hills, and thus popular places for folks to pitch trash down. Keep smilin', little dude!

Another Twisty Balloon Goes Down

WHERE: Strip District, Pittsburgh
WHEN: November 2008
ADDED PATHOS: Rain

I am not a big fan of the twisty balloon, so I was cheered to see this shoved in the trash. Not sure what shape it was meant to be assuming, but it looks fairly obscene from this angle.

I've Got Big Nuts

WHEN: November 2008
WHERE: Lawrenceille, Pitsburgh

I suspect this little dude is from some Global Toy Licensing Entity, but to me, he's just the "orange peanut guy." Lying in the gutter. Still cheerful.

Your Brakes Look Fine

WHEN: Nov. 16, 2008
WHERE: Friendship, Pittsburgh
ADDED PATHOS: cigarette butt

I admit it: I went back the next day to see, if, in fact, the car had backed over this doll. But, she was gone. Saved, or otherwise moved on.

The Zebra Nobody Wants

WHEN: Nov. 16, 2008
WHERE: East Liberty, Pittsburgh

I guess this could be broken and thus legitimately destined for the trash, but the bright colors and the frankly jaunty angle of the toy make it seem so animated.