Caution: Do Not Cut Your Butt on the Saw!

The other week, I visited Universal Studios, in sunny Los Angeles, CA. This sign's meaning would only be obvious, if it were used at the specific location where I found it...on an escalator. Of course, my twisted mind imagined how funny it would look to post this in a woodworking shop, on the side of a saw indicating, "Caution: Do Not Cut Your Butt on the Saw!" Or possibly, every parent should have one of these to remind their children, "Unless You're a Toddler, Don't Come Down the Steps Like This!" Maybe this sign could have another practical use at a public pool stating, "No Cannonballing!" Whatever the message of the sign, be sure its placement is congruent with the message. This will insure there is always a universal interpretation. Good signs aren't just pretty, they state the message so that everyone understands it the same.

To get a look at some good signs we've done, visit our website.

Ever had Leprosy?

The next few blog entries will be courtesy of my recent trip to Los Angeles, CA. This billboard made me laugh for quite awhile. I mean, leprosy? People still get that? In this day and age, and in L.A.? Obviously, they are lobbying for the importance of animal research here. Either that or L.A. has a huge epidemic with Leprosy! As usual I haven't done any research about this sign, but if their only goal was to catch attention, they definitely hit their mark with me! That should be the goal of most signage. Engage the target by capturing their attention and to make them think about your message more than the split second they see it, while passing by. I just wonder what the slogans were that got shot down? Here is a list of a few that possibly didn't make the cut.

• Ever had Scurvy?
• got polio?
• Bubonic Plague got you down?
• Not Typhus again!

For ways we've tried to catch public attention, check out our work on our website!

To Ring or Not to Ring, That is the Question!

Thanks to local Tweep, Sean McDermott, for finding this beauty. These instructions are enough to give one a headache! Quite the moral dilemma here...to ring or not to ring? That is the question. And which choice would you make? My mischievous temperament makes me gravitate towards the Ring side. The curious side of me really wants to find out what happens when I push that button!

This little contradiction is sort of what we face every day. One person tells us "Yes" and another tells us "No". It's up to us to go with our gut, and see what happens. Most times, life is a bit of trial and error, to see if what we learned growing up was right or wrong-if it works or if it doesn't.

Good luck with your daily choices,
Chad

I Demand a Pee-Test!

This photo submission comes from Paul Rothrock, a fellow local tweep. He just hit the tip of my ranting iceberg on this when he tweeted, "I find this sign sexist. Why can't it be new 'parent' parking?" That's one point-I mean, what if Paul has his young child and his newborn in the vehicle, and his wife is resting at home? Why can't he and other new daddies be entitled to the same parking privileges as the moms?

And how do we know this sign isn't being abused? What exactly is a "new" mother. Is there a time-frame when this expires? Also, what stage of pregnancy does a woman need to be in to take advantage of this parking spot? Do they need to be visibly pregnant? Shouldn't there be a security guard waiting to "pee-test" each of the female parkers?

I have some other suggested signs that we should consider for Special Parking spots:

• Hung-over Individual Parking
• OMG it's Freakin' Pouring Parking!
• Just Returning my Redbox Movies Parking
• I'm Feeling Rather Lazy Today Parking
  

It appears Harrisburg, PA is technically the Wild West.

Thanks to Michael Miville from Miville Photography for spotting this hilarious sign in the Bass Pro Shop in Harrisburg, PA. His tweet was right on when he said, "I'm glad they have to tell you this!" Really? Really. Really Bass Pro?!

The spotting of strange signs like these always prompts one to think about the fact that there has been at least several occasions where one has acted improperly to warrant such a sign. Clearly, there are rogue redneck hunters toting around their guns and compound bows throughout the store. I imagine an incident of some good 'ol boy doing some target practice with some of those beautifully stuffed game animals throughout the store. "Um, sir...you aren't allowed to shoot the stuffed mule deer....Yes, I know there isn't a sign that says you can't shoot the animals, but you really need to check your 30-30 Winchester at the Customer Service Desk."

Thanks again Michael, and all you readers out there, send me your funny pics so we can all enjoy them!

Back That Thang Up!

Ok, so this is an incredibly beautiful sign I found at Ocean City, Maryland. Sometimes it's just a matter of how you frame a picture, to find a little humor. In sign-making, sometimes, it's just a matter of choosing the wrong font or laying out a sign in a weird manner, that makes it take on a new meaning. I guess I am stretching here for a point, but I'm sure you get my point.











Kudos to whomever made this sign. It has a great presence, and the lighting really accents their ass-I mean assets. Liquid Assets was great! If you're ever down, check it out.

Don't Spill Your Soda!

When visiting the Boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland this past weekend, I found this gem. I'm not sure what happened here exactly. I studied it, and we talked about it for a few minutes, and we came up with all sorts of theories, but I have to admit I am still stumped. After walking past later, we noticed that they indeed, sold Pepsi products, so this sign seems to be intended for this spot. I'm still not sure why they chose to put it upside down though. Maybe they will only sell to you if you do a handstand? I know every time I cartwheel down the boardwalk, I work up a good thirst and could use a cold Pepsi, so....