A few days ago, I was browsing some very old issues of the New York Times online, when I came across an article from Feb. 25, 1908 about the possible creation of a new police squad whose sole duty would be to shield high-society women from vagabonds. "Ever since Mrs. Herman Oelrichs and other women were insultingly spoken to by beggars while driving in Fifth Avenue the policemen have been keeping a special watch," the article states. "The unusual state of affairs on the avenue was brought forcibly to police attention when, several days ago, Mrs. Oelrichs was grossly insulted."

My first thought on the matter had to do with how much the world has changed since then, but that quickly disappeared when I started to fantasize about how awesome it would be to teleport back in time to 1908 New York, dress as a street urchin, and speak rudely to high-society ladies.

"Top of the mornin' to ya, Mrs. Astor! Say, you wouldn't by chance have a buffalo nickel or two for me wedged up your tight little starfish now would ya? P'rhaps I should climb up there in that carriage and have a look-see. Let me think, now, where did I put me crowbar?"