April « 2009 « gor[b]

28Apr/090

They built excitement

Last week I took a photography workshop that was held at an old auto yard - an amazing place that had been used as a car graveyard for more than 50 years. I'm still sorting through my images, but this seemed like the one for today, the day they announced the end of 82 years of Pontiac history.

I've never owned a Pontiac, though I went to the prom in a Trans Am, put myself through college by working in a GM parts warehouse and thoroughly enjoyed the occasional rented Grand Am. The end of any era makes me sad.

Filed under: photos No Comments

20Apr/092

Leslieville signs, via my kids

Apparently my unhealthy fascination with signage is rubbing off on my kids - but their commentaries are much funnier than mine. Here's a sampling of their comments on signs in our neighbourhood:

Carbon Computing sign

Daughter: "Daddy, look. A frying pan with a smile!"

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Tattoo parlour

Daughter, walking past this untitled tattoo parlour on Queen St. (its sign used to proclaim it "Domain of Pain") and peering in at all the designs up on the wall:

"Ooooh, a sticker shop! I'm definitely going there when I get older."

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Jillyâ€™s strip club sign

Five-year-old, frowning at the hussy on the left as we drive past this strip joint:

"Why is that woman pulling up her shirt? She should do something else. Like read a book!"

Filed under: Apocalypse signs, Kids 2 Comments

9Apr/091

Stuck on CBC

CBC Toronto has gone sticker crazy. You know those giant, peel-off vinyl graphics you see everywhere these days? Well, CBC has bought in.

It seems every flat surface of the Broadcasting Centre, inside and out, is in the process of being tarted up with giant ads sporting CBC personalities and shows. The atrium looks like the hood of a NASCAR vehicle. Even the newsroom is getting plastered - though for all those interior uses, I'm not quite sure who we're supposed to be advertising to. Ourselves?

A few theories:Â Perhaps vinyl is suddenly cheap. Maybe it's good old fashioned end-of-fiscal spending, or new fiscal. Or perhaps we can't afford billboards anymore. Or we're trying to stay one step ahead of Rami Tabello.

With as many as 800 people heading out the door, perhaps temporary promotions are considered wise. Conversely, there's a rumour that if you make it onto a sticker, your job is safe - though that didn't help Steven and Chris.

With the peel-off craze nearing its peak, I can just tell what's coming next: Rex Murphy Fatheads!

Rex Murphy Fathead sticker