Sign Quips Equal Cheap Entertainment in the Village

If you're like me, you get a kick out of reading the interesting sayings businesses post on those changeable signs at their establishments.  There aren't too many places like this in Greendale, unless you count the ones at the middle and high schools. You've probably noticed that whoever is in charge of those particular signs tends to stick to school-related business, so I find I must generally drive outside the village to enjoy any marquee humor.

If you ever drove past the Corner Club Bar on 43rd and Grange, you knew you'd be in for an interesting sign, that is, up until a couple years ago when new owners took over. The sign is still there, but now it tends to announce things like "Karaoke night" and "dart tournaments." Interesting perhaps, but doesn't quite measure up to the entertainment value of "Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar" for example.

Not all signs are meant to be funny however. Some tend to be more on the poignant side. On a recent drive along 76th Street recently, I noticed a sign that said "When times get trying, don't stop trying." Not terribly amusing, but a good piece of advice I thought to myself... especially as a parent.

I am a big proponent of my kids trying new things, whether it be playing a musical instrument, trying a new sport or tasting a new food. I'm also pretty big on them trying new ways to get better at something they are already into. As we all know, new experiences help kids grow and expand their horizons. 

This summer one of our boys decided to switch from playing the trumpet (which he disliked immensely, but wasn't allowed to quit until the end of the school year) to percussion. I found a perfect quote for him should he get discouraged - "It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself," - J.S.Bach.

Speaking of trying new things, I figure I should set a good example for the kids. I keep saying I'm going to do it, but I can't quite bring myself to try out the new entrance to Southridge Mall. I work there part-time, so I have plenty of opportunites, every time I drive up Northway to Grange. I sit at the light and tell myself when it turns green, I am going to drive straight, but inevitably my van makes a left turn. I don't know what it is, but something seems strange about going straight. Maybe it's just me? After all, old habits die hard, right?  

Anyway, since gas is pretty expensive these days, I decided I'll save money if more businesses in the village put up a reader board so I can get my kicks without having to leave Greendale. I even found some sayings for a few of them: 

For Village Hair Design: "Ears pierced while you wait."

For Southridge mall during the holidays - "Five Santa Clauses - no waiting."

For Ricardo's Pizza: "Seating for 1,000 - 30 at a Time."

For Village Hall: "Taxation WITH representation isn't so hot either."

For St. Alphonsus: "Out of the mouths of babes comes something the parents shouldn't have said." 

For the new Wal-Mart: "This is the express lane... limit fifteen items. The number fifteen is not subject to negotiation." 

And finally, here's one for GHS: "Looking for Summer Help? Quick, hire our students while they still know everything!"

That's all for this week, folks. I need to go for a drive... while I'm at it, maybe I'll even make another attempt at the new Southridge entrance? At least I won't be distracted by any funny signs in the parking lot.