Crimson Screams

I've been doing some Spring Cleaning and putting my junk on the sidewalk for whoever wants it.  I must say I am fascinated--people will take anything: An old beat-up briefcase, a teapot with a mysterious ooze that has taken up residence and refuses to vanish, no matter how hard I scrub, a light and some non-fiction books I have no use for anymore.

I have picked up paperbacks from the street, read them and even sold them on eBay, but I have limits.  I would never take a second-hand teapot.  Yuck!  I know times are tough, but tell me...Are people really that desperate?!?!?