Some time in the early 90s in Austin, I saw a very strange billboard message posted next to Highway 183. It looked like a giant typed message that said “Your deadline is closer than you think”. A few days later it was made to look as if the last part of the sentence was torn off, and it then read, “Your deadline is close”. Then a few days later it was torn off again to read, simply, “Your dead”.
What the hell was that?
Has anyone else seen this billboard, or something similar?
DHR
Here in Cincinnati, they ran an ad that read “Welcome to Loserville. Population: you.” Pictured was a black teenager leaning against a building.
I was shocked and outraged, thinking it was put up by some Ku Klux Klan organization. Later, I found out that the kid was holding a cigarette in his hand, and it was an anti-smoking ad.
I’m sure the creators of the billboard never imagined the reaction I had.
I don’t remember the exact wording, but it was a local “promotion” based on the minister who said (in reference to Nazi Germany), “They came after _______, but I didn’t protest. . . .”
There was a bitter battle in this state over “Video Poker” payouts. The Video Poker lobby used that as the model in their campaign to keep payouts legal.
Something like, “First, they’ll take away your freedom, then they’ll take away. . . .”
These are more funny than disturbing, but here goes:
Seen in Alberta, from the meat industry:
‘Pork the one you love’
Seen in BC, Esso ad:
‘Pump and Win’
Also, the traffic caution lights in BC have signs, too:
‘Stop when Amber flashing’
Which was especially funny for me, because that was my ex-girlfriend’s name…
From Hell’s heart, I stab at thee-
Not a billboard and not disturbing, but I had to tell this somewhere. In Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Times(forerunner of the NY Times–really!) has merged with the Free Press. But years ago, when I was delivering papers, the Free Press was merged with The Chattanooga News. They called themselves The Chattanooga News-Free Press. I laughed at that nearly every day for a year-- I was 12 and it was my first job. I’ve been laughing at work ever since.
Pundit…Here the “Loserville” billboard is an Asian girl. Hmmmmm…me smells a plot ! Actually, plenty of teens like to be identified as losers, that means they’re not accountable for their actions. Kind of supports self-destruction. Why shouldn’t I smoke, I’m a loser. The tobacco companies know EXACTLY what they’re doing !
“Hope is not a method”
From The Elements of Style, popularly known as “Strunk and White”:
DHR
In Palm Harbor, Florida, a local restaurant evidently specializes in ribs. Their billboard, on the side of Route 19, depicts a rack of juicy ribs, with a woman’s head attached to the top of one. She’s a cartoonish blond wearing a fedora-type hat, and she is saying (via cartoon balloon) “I want my baby back!” This bizarre woman/food product hybrid always gave me the creeps.
I was driving down rte. 40 in Frederick, and looked up at one of those ‘flashing marquee’ signs.
The first thing it said was “JOHN!”
Then it flashed “JOIN US”
I somewhat regret not actually pulling into the hotel that the sign was in front of and asking what I was being invited to. Maybe I missed out on my chance to join a global conspiracy or something.
JMCJ
Die, Prentiss, Die! You will never have a more glorious opportunity!