Signs of the Times: David “Creeperfield” Stares You Down in Las Vegas

Posted on March 15, 2013 by sglaser

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Forget Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. David Copperfield rules over Las Vegas (apparently, according to his website, he was knighted by France and the US LIbrary of Congress considers him to be a “living legend.”)

Currently he is booked at the MGM Grand, but he is everywhere in LV. At least his eyes are. If you thought the Mona Lisa’s eyes look everywhere, remember she is 30″ by 20 7/8″ and kept behind a glass case. David Copperfield is emblazoned on several sides of a very large building. He’s also on posters, billboards and cabs. So he stalks you with his unsettling stare.

Continue reading →

Signs of the Times: Is there something newer than silicone?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by sglaser

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Maybe the company has come up with a new marinade for their famous hot wings. Regardless, we know there’s something saucy.

Signs of the Times: Welcome to McDonald’s (but after 30 minutes, get the hell out!)

Posted on March 2, 2013 by sglaser

Las Vegas Strip, Nevada. I understand that on the Vegas strip, many people probably “linger” a bit longer than some businesses may like, but this sign is pretty clear. I also definitely get why you don’t want people who aren’t paying customers to hang out, but wow, if someone is enjoying a Big Mac bonanza, he or she should probably be allowed to at least begin the digestion process. I wonder if the people to which the sign is targeted think to themselves, “Wow, like the sign says, I’ve overstayed my “welcome,” I had better move on.”

On the other hand, this Mickey D’s further down on the south side of the LV strip where it’s less populated and glitzy, has a sign that says, “Here’s where the party is People!!” Now here is a welcome sign. I’m lovin’ this one!

Signs of the Times — Fun in the Sun? Maybe Not…

Posted on February 22, 2013 by sglaser

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I’m sure when the town and cruise promoters developed this sign, they were completely confident in the certainty of the statement. After all, most of the time Cabo is brimming with sunshine. However, on those off days, the contradiction of the sign really screams out to you and is quite funny.

Sign of the Times: Think of Your “Happy Place” — The Impound Lot

Posted on February 16, 2013 by sglaser

Colorado, USA: You have to love it when traffic sign writers use sarcasm. This one, in particular, caught my eye. Definitely, by conjuring up an image of my minivan being towed, I thought twice about parking in this spot.

Travel Oops’s Friday Funny Sign: Keeping it Real (they know their stuffed elk is dead, right?)

Posted on February 8, 2013 by sglaser

Poncha Springs, Colorado. Hunting is a prevalent activity in the west, and many hunters turn to taxidermists to display the ultimate evidence of their favorite pastime. Of course, as most people know, the animal is dead and stuffed.

I realize Real Wilderness Taxidermy’s sign uses quotes for “real,” but this still just doesn’t seem like the best word choice. In fact, they could substitute “lifelike” for real. That would even create some parallelism with “lifetime.” As a geeky English teacher, this makes perfect sense to me.

Continue reading →

Travel Oops: Friday Funny Sign — Stuck in Garfield? Guess You’re SOL

Posted on February 1, 2013 by sglaser

Garfield, Colorado, USA. Better not have a breakdown or stall even at the mall in this small mountain town. Despite the promising AAA sticker, you’re unlikely to get service from this joint. Not to mention, the “only mall” doesn’t appear to have beer, braunschweiger or munchies either. Totally SOL.

Friday Funny Sign: “Shovel Not Included”

Posted on January 25, 2013 by sglaser

Colorado, USA, Along highway 285. Dirt can be a hot commodity — by the truckload — but this little snow encrusted pile seems like it might be better for a batch of mud pies. I saw this on the way to Denver International Airport and didn’t have time to take a photo. Surprisingly, it was still there when Kurt, the kids and I returned to Colorado a week later. I’m guessing it’s not going anywhere.

Friday Funny Sign: Walk-ins Welcome but Leave Your Saddle at the Door, Please

Posted on January 18, 2013 by sglaser

Colorado, USA. The west may be wild, but you can still look good — even if you’re a horse, right? This part of the country does love their horses and people have a tendency to name anything from bars to beauty salons “Wild Horses.”

The Friday Funny Sign: Sorry Your Brakes Have Failed — But Please Wait Two Miles

Posted on January 4, 2013 by sglaser

Monarch Pass, Colorado, USA: It’s nice to know there is a place for out-of-control semis to go, but there’s something a bit unsettling about seeing a sign like this. First of all, there is a reason for a runaway truck ramp — because there are runaway trucks. Secondly, a lot can happen in two miles when a truck has brake failure — especially on a narrow mountain pass with one side that drops off substantially.

Continue reading →