Times Change

Times Change, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I like to see the remnants of the past, evidence of our history. This building, now government offices once served as the offices of the Trunk Railway, theifore-runner to CN, which runs across Canada. You can see the sign, in relief in the stonework. So often our past is eradicated with demolition and new buildings, with new signs as buildings take on new purposes. This sign stands as a testimony to our past, while the French only government sign (not visible in this photograph)vouches for the needed changes that happened in Quebec.

Day 307: Interpretation

Day 307: Interpretation, originally uploaded by susanvg.

In Quebec, where French is the official language, signs are often an issue. While most of the province is French-speaking, Montreal and its suburbs is a mix of French, English and the languages of its many immigrants. I guess in an attempt to have signs understood by all, but keeping with the Quebec sign law which requires the predominance of French, people have resorted to symbols which are meant to be understood by all, yet may be understood by none.

I realize this probably means the spot is reserved for people with babies, but there is a subliminal message here as to what a family is made up of. Is the spot reserved only for this kind of family? Pictures don't necessarily convey what the designer intended.In our politically correct world what would you come up with to designate this spot?

Day 24: Interpreting the Signs

Day 24: Interpreting the Signs, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I came upon these signs when I was out shopping. Sometimes it's fun to imagine what icons mean. Arrêt was no problem - Stop, but stop for what or stop what? So here are some of my ideas.

Stop - female shopper. Does this mean you keep going if the shoppers are male? Do only females carry parcels? There is nothing in the mall for the men?

Stop Shopping - or you may land up in the gutter. That arrow is obviously pointing down somewhere. Excessive shopping can pave the road to hell - this is a warning.

Stop - there is a woman in high heels with too many parcels and she may trip as she steps down from the sidewalk. Does this warn against the high heels? the too many packages? not sure.

What meaning do you see?