can you help me out here?

The "give me some money" phrase I hear on the streets that most often works for me -- no tragic story, no cardboard sign -- simply "Can you help me out here?" Direct. To the point. Contains essential elements: you, me, out here. And no "will you," producing my need to make a conscious effort of will power. "Can you" -- Are you able to. Of course I'm able to, most of the time I have some money in my pocket. I don't always respond affirmatively, but I do always admire that well-honed polished request: Can you help me out here?