Rust

It must be tedious being left alone to rust. Luckily, a little grease and oil could probably fix this bike and make it usable once again. Just ask the Tin Man, he'll tell you. 

I really wish I could fit this rusty old bike into my apartment. When we have space, I think one of the first things I'd like to get is a bike. I really used to love riding bikes and I'm pretty sure that hasn't changed. My taste in bikes is different, however. My first bike was pink and had a banana seat so that I could fit a passenger on the back!

That actually makes me think of all of the things I've used and eventually outgrown thus far in life.  This includes everything from toys and beliefs to friends. Like an old bike, these things (or people) could potentially become part of my life agin, but they may also end up as memories. It's a little sad to think about leaving things behind, but it's part of growing up. 

Wow. All that from some rusty gears. What are you thinking about? 

Loyalty

I took this picture five years ago in Madrid, Spain. Although I thought the man was homeless, this image didn't make me sad. I was (am) more struck by the loyalty of his dogs, especially the one that's awake. That dog wass protecting his owner and seemed proud to be at his side. If I had to sleep in a public square I think it would be much less scary if I had two friends with me.

On a slightly different note, he's pretty stylin' for a homeless guy, so maybe he was just a modern nomad travelling around Europe. He seems too prepared for outdoor sleeping to be a partier who just happened to pass out on his way home from the club. 

Happy

I really love it when animals smile. I always wonder what they're thinking about. Does a smile mean the same thing to a dog as it does to me? I like to think so! I imagine this guy, Dozer, is truly happy to be in park. Is that drool due to excitement? It's quite possible. 

Anti-Conformist

Maybe this guy laughs at the rest of us who take our time matching our socks. (I can't poke too much fun because when I was little I used to purposely mismatch my socks à la Punky Brewster, my hero.) I really like that he's sporting these argyle socks with Velcro sneakers and jean shorts. I suspect he was in rush, all of his clothes were in the laundry, and got dressed in the dark (I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt here). 

Kilt? Skirt? What's The Difference?

I really don't understand the kilt. If we're going to be honest with ourselves, it's just a man's skirt. (Similarly, there is the man purse or murse.) 

Anyway, this guy's kilt is a true hybrid of a skirt and traditional kilt. When I first saw him it didn't occur to me that he was wearing a kilt at all. However, upon further investigation and discussion it has come to light that this garment is actually a utilikilt (the website is pretty awesome - who knew the kilt could be so versatile?!). I think a man's got to be pretty confident to wear a non-traditional kilt at rush hour. I appluad him.  

Backless Shirt

Here's how not to wear a backless shirt.

Who does she think she's fooling with that flesh-toned bra? I can see it, can't you? And the answer is no, that is definitely not attractive. I'd rather see a hot pink bra - at least have some flair! 

If I have to look at somebody's naked back, I'd rather it be a perfect one. Enough said.

What is she trying to tell people with that shirt? That she's sexy? I'm not buying it.

Oh, So Red

I pass this cable box every day on my way home from work. I never gave it much thought. But somebody painted it and now it's all shiny and new; I can't help but notice. 

The little index card noting that the paint is wet sort of made me want to leave a little finger print, but at the same time, I didn't want to damage the box's new coat (of paint). I wish I'd seen the person who left the note. How long did it take them to give the box a makeover? Was the index card and afterthought? Are able boxes around the city adorned with these little notes? Who removes them? Was the paint really still wet by the time I passed by? I didn't have the nerve to check (I've seen what they can do with fingerprints on CSI!). 

Not Very Appetizing

We passed these signs in Utah in 2005. My first thought was that taxidermy and dinner don’t go together. 

It really looks as if those two sign are for the same establishment.  Luckily the signs are seperate. To be clear, the "NOW OPEN FOR DINNER" banner is attached to a sign for the Arrowhead Country Inn. It was the only place open for dinner for miles (taxidermy was further down the road).  It was one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. If you’re ever visiting Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon, stop by the inn to eat. 

If you’re lucky maybe you can also get you dog stuffed. 

Under Lock & Key

Do you think you'll ever be able to trust a storage facility that doesn't look like a chained and padlocked castle? I know I won't! If I store my stuff here, I can be certain that no criminals will be able to get past the chainmail-wearing guards and my belongings will be safe. The name alone (Fortress) inspires a deep sense of security, don't you think?

For The Love Of Guitar

This was an amazingly lucky shot. I saw this guy riding his bike while I was on the train, but I didn't have my camera out. Somehow I was able to snap a shot a few minutes later. 

It's hard to tell what's so great about this picture, but let me explain. It rained most of the day yesterday. When I took this photo the rain had stopped but the clouds still looked threatening. This green-pants-bike-riding-guy was fully prepared for another storm (and jam session). Yes, that's a guitar on his back, and it is totally wearing a poncho for rain protection! 

Clearly, his guitar is very important to him. I like his innovative thinking. 

P.S. If you like this blog, you can now become a follower! We just added the new gadget - check it out on the right. 

Grimace

I think this ad is absolutely hilarious. The guy looks just thrilled about the church being advertised. The corners of the mouth are turned down in a frown and the fingers are bent in what looks like agony. You'd think the advertisers would do their best to make the church look wonderful. Instead, this guy's heart is broken and in flames and he's looking at the location details with disdain and disgust. 

What do you think "church for the rest of us" means anyway? If you're interested, here is a link to the website.

A Neon Sign

The neon lights say "the Purple Shamrock MOLSON." I like this photo because the neon is the only thing the camera picked up in the dark room, even though there was a lot going on. 

This sign is did exactly what it was made to do; it caught my attention. The music was blaring, people we bumping into me and shouting over the music, and still I stopped to see what the sign said. I wonder how many people in the bar grabbed a molsen without even realizing they'd seen an advertisment. 

Made In Japan

I love that the Green line trains are made by a Japanese company that sounds a little naughty. Every time I get on one of the older trains the Kinki plaque just cracks me up (I think the newer trains are by Ansaldobreda). I thought maybe you'd find it amusing too - aren't homophones fun? (I suppose I'm just guessing that kinki and kinky are pronounced the same way; I really have no idea how the Japanese would say it.)

After doing a a quick Google search, I've discovered that Kinki is actually a region of Japan. I still think it sounds funny and I'm sure I'll continue to laugh every time I see their little logo on the train.

Crumpets!

I don't know anything about this store, but I think they have the cutest name! I love the deep blue of the storefront and the fact that their sign is old fashioned. 

In my experience, crumpets are eaten with tea in the UK. Going to afternoon tea in London was one of my favorite things, so this sign sort of makes me feel warm and fuzzy! From the little I can see through the store window, I'm guessing they're going for that English vibe.

P.S. That's The Schwarz's car reflected in the window!

Wrong Way, Dude

This sign doesn't make any sense. I think it's hilarious to have an arrow pointing to the right when the man above is clearly walking to the left! Oops.

Word Recognition

When I saw this sign at Jim's Package store, I was very confused. This is how I read the sign:

15 minute parking
Jim's Package only
Viola tors will be
ticketed &/or towed

According to the National Institute for Literacy, "Word recognition is the ability of a reader to recognize written words correctly and virtually effortlessly." Well I effortlessly saw my friend's name (Viola) in this warning! The space between the "a" and the "t" is just big enough that I saw two words instead of one. Honestly, I was really excited to see a name written on a wall and that's the only reason I read the sign at all. Since the lettering is white on yellow, it's not especially noticeable. I was wondering why Jim's Package store would have a sign about a woman named Viola. I guess they wouldn't. Haha.

Plus, my mind automatically filled in the missing "a" in "Packge" [sic].

I believe there's a saying that goes something like you only see what you want to see.

Parking Only

Oh, I just love this sign! Somebody forgot to fill in the blanks!

It's hanging outside a a liquor store in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. I love that is says "parking only," but doesn't specify the store's name. And how funny is it that it says "unauthorized vehicles will be at vehicle owner's expense?"