Saturday, April 17, 2010

Ambiguious Signs


So I'm heading back from a wonderful evening of observing at Tuckahoe State Park, traveling along 404 to the Bay Bridge. I get within reading distance of the box truck in front of me and I'm given the following warning: Caution! Show Flowers.

So what exactly does one do with this piece of information? Is this admonishment issued so that I will keep additional distance between me and the showy flowers? Are the flowers at risk of dropping their splendid petals if they sense that I'm getting too close?

Or perhaps we are talking about show as in Little Shop of Horrors show, and this is more of a disclaimer. Don't even think about trying to steal anything in this truck because you'll be lunch for our man-eating flowers.

This is somewhat like the "Caution - Show Dogs" or even the "Baby on Board!" stickers that you'll see on the back of a car. I've always kinda put those into the "My Child's an Honor Student" classification - the driver wants you to know about their special cargo of which they are very fond. If the intent of these rear end communications is a plea not to run into their vehicle then I have to wonder about the owner's grasp on reality.

Here's a suggestion to the box truck - put your logo and/or contact information on the back - that way you get some advertising out of the effort instead of puzzled looks.

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