Monday, November 23, 2009

Random quotation marks


Someone please tell me why the quote marks are necessary on this sorry little bathroom sign? What would possess even a non-native-English speaker to arbitrarily throw quotation marks into this sign?  I'll Accept The Random Capitalizations (which, as if by chance, are almost all correct if this were a headline), but even putting my "grammarian side to the side," there's no reason for "quote marks on this sign."  I don't even have a theory as to why the typist "would consider" or "even bother."  Your Thoughts Are Welcome.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Goverthing: Is it real, or is it Memorex?


Goverthing's jukebox, still functioning, filled with the same song by the local "Nightingale"

I experienced the 'archaeological dig' on Governors Island a few weeks back, and was completely entranced by the bizarreness of this town's reality.  Now, after a few conversations and a little research about it's authenticity, I might feel duped. I'm not sure yet.   But this quote from a NY Times article about Goverthing -- from Geert Hautekiet, the Exhibition Specialist in charge out there -- is not helping Goverthing real-dealiness: “And also, maybe, that you should never trust Belgians,” he added, smiling. “But that’s off the record.”  (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/arts/19archaeology.html)

Your input on this matter is welcome. I'll even keep a log of votes: Real or Memorex?