Sign of the Times

Happy St. Andrew's Day!

2010-11-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

Today is Scotland's national holiday, so I give you a few random sign pictures from Scotland itself, and the Woodland Scottish Games.

National Sardine Day

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently, today is National Sardine Day.

Too bad I won't be celebrating it, other than posting a sign pic.

Today's the Day!!

2010-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1) opens in theaters. To celebrate, I present...

National Pasta Day

2010-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the 6th was National Noodle Day. Today is National Pasta Day (are there some pastas that aren't noodles?).

So. Heh.

Election Day

2010-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Election Day, I present to you California's own Governator.

Ghost Town For Sale!

2010-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

I was so intrigued when I drove past this on Highway 99, that I had to pull off the freeway and have a look. There's not much to it, but it does have a cool sign.

Mumford and Sons

2010-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is the gig I went to see last week--it was a great show. I love both Mt. Desolation and Mumford and Sons. It was sold out, so only the cool kids were there.

Naughty

2010-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

There was a randomly placed "Police Line" sign between Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf last week--it was obvious that crossing this line was not a problem, as it was a short fence between two different walkways that people where using to get between two of San Francisco's biggest tourist draws.

My friend and I, however, couldn't help but make fun of it. So here I am, in all my glory.

Nagasaki

2010-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of signs from Nagasaki, Japan, courtesy of my parents.

Kentucky Fried Chicken in Beijing

2010-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

My parents are recently returned from a trip to Asia--a three week cruise that started in Beijing and ended in Singapore. They graciously took some sign pictures for me, and the best of the lot are these two of a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Beijing. Check out their version of Colonel Sanders!

Yep, these are my parents. : )

65 Club

2010-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was in San Francisco for a concert. While walking by the tour buses of both bands, I spotted this great old sign across the street and stopped to take a picture.

One Year Flies By

2010-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, I saw Mika live at the Fox Theater in Oakland. What a fun show, and a very talented guy!

United Nations Day

2010-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is United Nations Day. I encourage everyone to take these words seriously...found in UN Plaza in San Francisco.

World Mental Health Day

2010-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

More information about this day here.

As one who has suffered from anxiety and depression, believe me, I am not making light of this issue by posting this picture. Oh, and as I scheduled this post, I noticed that it's posting at 10:00 am (when I schedule all of my sign posts) on 10/10/10. Cute.

Happy National Noodle Day

2010-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

In my tireless Google research, I found this site, which lists American food days. Apparently, today is National Noodle Day.

Have some linguini, why doncha?

World Animal Day

2010-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. Today is World Animal Day. I'm pretty opposed to zoos, unless they are the kinds that are providing refuge for animals that can't survive in the wild, or promoting breeding programs for endangered species. But one summer day in Utah, we took my niece and nephew to Hogel Zoo for kicks.

International Day of Non-Violence

2010-10-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the UN-recognized International Day of Non-Violence.

This sign picture is from an exhibit I saw at London's British Museum in 2005--the Tree of Life, assembled by a group of artists from dismantled guns.

Tsunami

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, a devastating tsunami hit American Samoa, causing destruction and loss of life.

To show how powerful tsunamis are, I'll just point out that this picture was taken in Fort Bragg, California, thousands of miles away. The tsunami did hit the California and Oregon coasts that night. Though only a foot or two high by the time it arrived, it still caused some concern, and people were warned to stay out of the water.

Happy Good Neighbor Day!

2010-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

According to this site, anyway.

Have a drink on me.

Museum Day

2010-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Museum Day. Head to the link to find museums near you that will accept the ticket you can get for free admission.

I doubt I'll be going to this museum (in San Francisco), no matter how cool the sign is:

An Apple a Day...

2010-09-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, today is International Eat an Apple Day.

So a sign from Apple Hill is appropriate.

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Now, do your own laundry.

Day of Rest

2010-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Since Sunday is the day of rest, I thought I'd post this little gem from Sausalito, California. Sorry for the terrible quality--it was taken through a very dirty windshield while waiting at a red light. (Some of my best sign pics are taken through car windows). I only have one question: What, exactly, is a de-stressing center?

Bear's Hideaway

2010-08-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just a cute sign from the otherwise somewhat-rundown town of San Juan Bautista.

A Creek Runs Through It

2010-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

If I didn't love and adore and need the ocean so much, I'd live in Gold Country, a gorgeous part of California with a ton of crazy history and homes with their own creeks.

Doo Wash

2010-08-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

There are two ways to interpret this sign:

1. "Please doo wash your clothes" --terrible spelling, or,

2. "Wash the doo out of your clothes." --eww.

Either way, it made me giggle. Only in San Francisco.

Pompei

2010-08-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Though there is reason to believe it happened closer to October, many people hold out that Mt. Vesuvius had its most famous and destructive eruption on August 24, 79 AD. Whenever it happened, there is no doubt that Pompei is preserved pretty well, and is a fascinating place to visit. This picture is a scan--I visited Italy in 2003, before I had gone digital.

I Heard It Through the...Wait, What?

2010-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

A yummy restaurant near Oakland.

Sweet?

2010-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, whatever you say...

Chico Normal School

2010-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Before it was a state university, Chico was a normal school (teacher school).

Fella

2010-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

I was walking down (literally, San Francisco is hilly) the street and saw this cute little street sign. "Oh, cute," I thought. "Fella street." Then I noticed the...fella...hanging out under the sign, like he was begging for me to get this shot. I had to oblige him.

I am unashamedly proud of this shot.

Root Beer Float

2010-08-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

According to this site, today is Root Beer Float day. So...go to Chico?

Crazy Horse Saloon

2010-08-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

A Chico institution (many, but not all of Chico's best-loved traditions are bars, actually). I spent my share of time at the Crazy Horse, but I never rode the mechanical bull.

Cheap Pete's

2010-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in San Francisco...

Splendiferous

2010-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

The name of this shop alone made me smile.

Teatro ZinZanni

2010-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

One of these days, I'll have to experience this. Anything that advertises itself as Love, Chaos and Dinner has to be worth a try.

Zeller's

2010-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I loved the older car I got in the shot with this older sign painted on the side of a building in Napa, California.

Books

2010-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I loved this little sign, in a small shopping area near Oakland and Berkeley. Simple, yet quite effective.

Today We Celebrate...ME!!

2010-08-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. : )

So I will celebrate myself (typical Leo) by sharing some signs from a big event that happened back in March: I hiked Mt. Diablo--it was 3.75 miles from my car to the summit, with a nearly 2,000-foot elevation change. I almost quit about a dozen times, but in the end, I beat my own demons and made it to the summit.

These are some sign pics I took along the way.

Guns For Hire

2010-08-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Taken at Gold Rush Days in Old Sacramento last fall.

Cool Cat Cigars

2010-08-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

An absolute gem of a sign from Monterey, California.

Bird In Hand

2010-08-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

More Chico nostalgia...

Bird in Hand is one of those chi-chi little gift shops that also happens to be home to a yo-yo museum. It is home to the world's largest wooden yo-yo.

SPECIAL POST -- JUST FOR MAAYAN.

2010-08-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

My friend in Keane Obsession, Maayan, requested that I post this picture (I don't have Flickr...maybe sometime I'll get around to getting one, but for now, I blog stuff).

Here you go, hon--not my most special sign pic ever, but definitely meaningful. I suppose from now on, I'll be looking for shops with Tim, Tom, Richard and even Jesse in them. ; )

And while I'm at it, another Tom sign I found in my files:

Bibliomania

2010-08-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

A cool sign from Telegraph Street in Oakland, California. I took this while waiting in line at the Fox Theater for a Keane concert.

Tacos

2010-08-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I spent five crazy, awesome, horrifying years in Chico, California, attending California State University, Chico. While there, I did my share of partying. Tacos seemed to be a great post-drinking food.

I usually went to Tacos de Acapulco because it was open at 2:00 in the morning; however, Aca Taco was a great lunch destination near campus. This Chronic Taco place is new...on a recent visit to Chico after many years away, I was shocked by how many new places there are.

Boobies!

2010-08-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just shake my head at the lengths people will go to to raise awareness of breast cancer.

I've Found My Calling

2010-08-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

If I'm unable to get a new teaching position soon, I might just have to ponder a career change.

Cannery Row

2010-08-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Made famous by John Steinbeck's novel of the same name, Cannery Row is now a tourist trap, complete with a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant. It is also home to the marvelous Monterey Bay Aquarium

Boat Works

2010-08-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

A lovely sign from Monterey, California.

Coit Liquors

2010-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just a cool old sign from the neighborhood surrounding...you guessed it, San Francisco's Coit Tower.

The Sign Blog Is Back!

2010-08-02T12:28:00.001-07:00

I thought about closing this down, but with a new template (I do so love green...), I figured I'd spend some time scheduling a ton of posts and let this never-viewed little blog make a comeback.

Enjoy.

In Honor of all the Zodiac Crabs

2010-06-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

From the Mission District in San Francisco.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

2010-05-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

It starts today, and this teacher is feeling appreciated by her pal, Linus van Pelt.

Uh, Oops

2010-04-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

You know how life gets, right? I've got a ton going on, but want to post some new sign pictures soon. I promise.

Follow Salty

2010-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

...but don't expect to see much. The sea lions left! :(

Are We There Yet?!

2010-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in the middle of Nevada...

Saddle Up Espresso

2010-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

A cute little coffee booth--and always getting a lot of business--in the tiny, sleepy little town of Chimacum, Washington. I taught in Chimacum for a year.

Royal Observatory

2010-03-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich, in London. Home of the Prime Meridian.

Rough and Ready

2010-03-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

God, I love this town name.

Roosevelt and Muir

2010-03-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Having seen the wonderful Yosemite for myself, I can only thank these men and their foresight.

Romancin' the Range

2010-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Another awesome Gold Country contribution.

Relish

2010-03-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I relish a cute sign. This one is from Fort Bragg, California.

LOVE

2010-03-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

In honor of my brother, Aaron, on his birthday...Aaron is responsible for my love of all things Snoopy. These signs are from Santa Rosa, California, where the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Snoopy Gallery and Gift Shop, and Charles Sculz Museum are located all in one little area.

The bathroom signs? My favorite bathroom signs EVER.

Red Goose Shoes

2010-03-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

A classic from Port Angeles, Washington.

Red Blossom Tea Co.

2010-03-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

From Chinatown in San Francisco.

Railroad Cafe

2010-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just a cute little sign from one of many Gold Rush towns. Maybe Sutter Creek? I can't remember.

Racine's

2010-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

The sign isn't the point here. I just loved how it stood out from the building. Very pretty.

Quilted Bear

2010-03-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

A fun craft place in the greater Salt Lake City area, and a favorite stop for Mom and me.

Old Signs

2010-03-07T19:59:00.001-08:00

I love these old mural-type signs. This one is from Port Townsend, Washington.

The Scenic Route

2010-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Posted in honor my dad, who celebrates his birthday today. Dad loves to take the scenic, twisty-road route. Mom actually lets me ride shotgun these days, otherwise I end up with a massive headache.

So Many Jokes

2010-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

"Excuse me, where are the chastity belts?"

"Aisle seven."

"Excuse me, where can I renew my vow of chastity?"

"At the pharmacy."

Of course, it's nothing so entertaining, just a grocery store. But I'd never seen a Purity Store before and I stopped in my tracks, laughed out loud, and walked closer to get a good shot. This was in Fort Bragg, California.

Puff Puff Pass

2010-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Only in San Francisco, and then, only in the Haight Ashbury district.

Post Alley

2010-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle's semi-famous Post Alley. Home to some nice little restaurants and just a hop away from Pike Street Market.

Positively Haight

2010-03-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yep, colorful, with scary-looking clowns about sums up the Haight.

Photos Allowed

2010-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

...Because I love anything with Snoopy in it. This is, of course, at the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California.

A Village in the Woods by the Bay

2010-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

I wish I'd taken the time to get a better shot of this awesome sign at the entrance to Port Ludlow. I spent a year living there after returning from England.

Pony Espresso

2010-02-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love a good play on words.

Point Cabrillo

2010-02-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Another sign nearby said it was a quick walk to the lighthouse. Quick, my ass! It took forever, and there were tick-infested areas and grass so high a murderer could hide in it. But the lighthouse was beautiful...

Paging Jack Sparrow

2010-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite rides at Disneyland...and the first movie was really good, anyway.

Pie Porch

2010-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

All of the stops in Placerville's Apple Hill have apple pies for sale. But only High Hill has a Pie Porch.

Pippi's Longstockings

2010-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

An awesome sign from Fort Bragg, California.

Pegasus Books

2010-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

A well-known book shop in Bezerkely, California.

Performance Under Stress

2010-02-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

I've had this picture for ages, and I've never used it, waiting, perhaps, for the perfect moment. Well, that moment is here.

After a pretty crappy week at work, I find that yesterday was the last of my scheduled posts, so tonight, after a five-mile jaunt on the treadmill and being on my feet all morning before that, I can sit and post more signs for the enjoyment of the three people who read this blog. And yes, I include myself in that three.

Pantages Theater

2010-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California. I saw Wicked here in 2008.

Another Original

2010-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone along the Embarcadero, from Pier 39 to nearby Fisherman's Wharf, claims to have the original sourdough bread bowl. In my humblest of opinions, no one beats Boudin. Their bread ROCKS.

Pacific Car Wash

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

A great old sign from Pacific Avenue in Stockton, California.

The Phantom of the Opera...

2010-02-16T10:00:00.001-08:00

The famous Paris Opera House, home of the mythical Phantom of the Opera.

Why, Hello, Kevin...

2010-02-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite actors is Kevin Spacey. He is the artistic director of the Old Vic on the South Bank of London's Thames. I was fortunate enough to see him perform on stage FOUR times (twice each in two plays) while living in England. The Philadelphia Story also starred the marvelous Jennifer Ehle, who played Lizzie Bennet in the BBC's awesome adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Love Is In The Air...

2010-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

And what better way to show your love for the people in your life than by scrawling it on the wall of a bathroom in a downtown Oakland pizza place?

Old Timers

2010-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

A cute little museum in Murphys, California.

Old Coast Hotel

2010-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just like yesterday's sign, this one keeps to that coast/ocean theme.

Ocean Breeze Lodge

2010-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

One of many, many hotels, motels and lodges in Fort Bragg with some sort of oceanic theme to the name. Tomorrow's post features another one. Stay tuned!

Nevada Club

2010-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've gotten to a point where I label the town I took pictures in (unless it's obvious) because I forget. Take this picture. The Nevada Club is either in Sutter Creek, Nevada City, or one of many, many other historic Gold Rush tourist towns that my parents and I have visited. Sometimes they run together in my head.

Neptune's Kingdom

2010-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

A bright, colorful sign at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California.

Mushrooms

2010-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love the names of the various mushrooms. This was some little specialty food shop in the Ferry Building of San Francisco.

MUNI

2010-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

San Francisco's Muni system has a cool logo. This sign is for the old-fashioned streetcars that carry people along the Embarcadero.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center

2010-02-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center gives some excellent tours. The resident whale expert on our trip was knowledgable and so excited about what she does that it was hard not to have a great time. They're located in Fisherman's Wharf.

Monterey Fish Co.

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just a pretty shot I took as the boat returned to Monterey Harbor after a whale watching trip.

Meg 2010

2010-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is MY year!

I'm not sure about Meg Whitman. I have to do my homework before the gubernatorial elections. But when I saw this sign, I was very quick to run over and beg my friend Summer to take a picture. One of the very rare sign pics that actually has me in it.

A Gorgeous Picture

2010-02-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. I love that it was a beautiful sunny day in Seattle (famous for its rain). I love that the American flag is flying in the wind, and that I caught it nearly completely unfurled. I love how the rays of the sun are captured. It was a gorgeous day to walk through Pike Street Market.