Best Quality

Two months ago, in preparation for the grand inauguration of the college, benches were placed all along the common pathways on campus. It does lend a nice atmosphere to the campus -- on my way down to the bus stop I get to visit with current students and former students who are lounging on the benches.

This poor bench didn't survive but a week. And by the looks of the sign that's posted on it, the college didn't hold out much hope for its longevity to begin with.

Fun with Chinese Signs, Part V

I'm not sure if this sign (seen in Macau) inspires confidence or not. On the one hand, it seems like a false promise. On the other hand, these folks could be so dedicated to providing quality pharmaceuticals that they had this expensive sign made.

Any thoughts?

Fun with Chinese Sign, Part IV

This sign was posted on the Hong Kong MTR. Apparently we are supposed to offer our seats to various types of armless people without necks.

Fun With Chinese Signs, Part III

These signs are posted at the still-being-built part of our college (classes begin in a mere 10 days).



I didn't realize that in China, bowler hats are considered protective head gear. It seems they're keeping up a fine British tradition:

The bowler was designed in the workshop of Lock's, the legendary London hatmakers, on the instructions of a certain William Coke, who wanted to give his gamekeepers headgear that would not keep getting knocked off when they patrolled the undergrowth and woodland. And indeed, this rigid, dome-shaped hat offers little purchase to obstructions. Initially the new hats were called "coke" in honor of that concerned landowner, not being given the name 'bowler' until the firm of Bowler & Son began to make them in 1850 or thereabouts.
--- Bernhard Roetzel, Gentlemen: A Timeless Fashion

Fun with Chinese Signs, Part II

On an evening walk through Tangjia (a village close to where we live), I spotted this sign (as always, click to embiggen).



What caught my eye was the smiling rubber (see it in the white "halo" effect?), which I at first thought was a creative addition by some clever graffiti artist. Then, when I spotted a second smiling rubber forming the "L" of the "Be Love" message, I realized that it was part of the sign's design.

Of course, I still can't figure out what's being advertised. It's kind of creepy, though.

Fun with Chinese signs, Part I

When our city bus unexpectedly pulled into a gas station to fill up last night, this is what I saw out the window (click the photo to embiggen):

As a teacher of technical communication, this kind of thing fascinates me. I mean, I can tell that it's some sort of warning sign (the yellow color and the triangle give that away), but I have no idea what it's supposed to be warning me about. Don't use a dremel saw to cut my hair? Be careful to avoid low-hanging sprinkler heads?

Clearly, it would help if I could read Chinese. But still. The picture is supposed to alleviate illiteracy, no?