Shirtless Thugs?

On Friday afternoon, with the 69-degree temperature tying the record high for the date, I decided to get some fresh air and sunshine, and went downtown. I decided to head towards Boathouse Row (via the Schuylkill River Trails), because there are plenty of people there jogging, riding bikes or, like me, strolling. And I figured a few guys might not be wearing shirts. Sure enough, there were a few very nice sights. However, I also found a weird message spray-painted on this wall.

These pictures were taken on a rather steep path that leads up from the Schuylkill River Trail towards the pavilion and gazebo that both sit on the cliff at the back end of the Art Museum.

I find myself wondering about the meaning of the message. Was there a recent crime spree in the area and the crooks were bare-chested? Or is this a comment on the many joggers and bike riders on the trails along the river? Perhaps some of them have bad attitudes and yell at slower-moving pedestrians or parents pushing strollers? I know I had to be aware at times of someone coming up behind me quickly. If I had made a sudden move they might have run right into me.

Anyway, after the jump you'll find a few more pictures I took. (None are of shirtless men, thugs or otherwise.)