I just read this article over at wired about websites that track what they call "urban eccentrics". I don't find the tracking of the eccentrics particularly amusing/intriguing per se, but it is interesting to note that pretty much every city *does* have at least one urban eccentric, and almost everyone in town knows of them.

Here are my examples:
Pasadena, CA: Eccentric inventor of the strain gauge Ed Simmons wears tights and a tutu and can be spotted around town - at the grocery store, hanging around Caltech, etc. Check out his wiki article here.

Tulsa, OK: Bicycle riding lunatic? or local color? I think the verdict is still out on Biker Fox, who in an apparent oversight does not have a wikipedia page. Biker Fox can be seen all over town, although I think he mostly hangs out on the south side around 71st street. Biker Fox is primarily identified by his skin tight racing attire complete with advertisements (unpaid), and the racing outfits usually match the bike he is riding that particular day. This guy actually performs tricks (hopping over the handlebars of his bike, and flipping over the handlebars), and his goal is to one day appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I know this because Kris produced and directed the Biker Fox video (paid for by Biker Fox) which is available on video DVD.

Savannah, GA: The crazy guy with the sign who hangs out in the squares downtown. His sign is something about impending damnation, fire and brimstone, etc. He also drives the abortion wagon, a station wagon that has all sorts of f'd-up dolls and photos in a sort of collage on the roof rack. The vehicle, like the man, can be spotted downtown.

Austin, TX: Eccentric AND homeless, the cross-dressing Leslie Cochran can be spotted most of the time on 6th Street downtown in the vicinity of Congress. Cochran pretty regularly runs for mayor, and is the homeless spokesperson against police brutality. Sometimes you want someone else to be on the lookout for Leslie, since he is frequently wearing only a thong, and I'm not talking about footwear.

That's just about everywhere I've lived, and each place has at least one urban eccentric. Makes me wonder if every town really does have one, and if these eccentrics take over the position when the incumbent dies? Curious.