Blog Archives - Reading the Signs

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Another Dome for Catalunya

13/2/2014

Carey's Lane, Cork

Are you puzzled as to why Catalunya needs another dome? And why they want it for free?

Or maybe you are puzzled as graffiti such as this in Cork may have few readers who have any influence in Spain?

Alternatively, you might consider it as litter and so more likely to use any limited influence against Independence for Catalunya.

Dangers of Rebranding – Chapter 4 – DTZ

12/2/2014

South Mall, Cork

Is 427 5454 easier to remember than 4275 454?

From previous blogs, one might have the impression that I am not a fan of rebranding – an exercise requiring the scrapping of all old stationery, signage and advertising and reprinting everything in something that is no more memorable.

Last week, I spotted some signs on a property on South Mall and was more convinced than ever that the old brand was as remarkable, or otherwise, as the new one. Maybe DTZ now wish to be associated with Dublin, Leinster and Chelsea rather than Cork, Munster, Arsenal, Man U and Liverpool.

Regardless of the why, having both on one building cannot be good for brand promotion.

I also think it cannot be great for the client. Does it not carry an inference that the property has been vacant for at least as long as the new brand was launched and so the landlord may be hurting and open to a lower bid – surely not what any auctioneer would like to convey.

Or maybe, DTZ are just looking for feedback as to which brand you might prefer….

An Bróg v. An Bhróg

11/2/2014

Oliver Plunkett Street

Recently, I was speaking with a fluent Irish speaker who suggested that the bar, An Bróg, should not be supported as it was grammatically correct. I suspect that she was not totally joking on this matter.

As someone who is trying to improve my spoken Irish, the more one learns, the more one realises the different rules for ‘úru’ and ‘séimhu’ and others makes it a difficult task.

As I understand a ‘h’ follows the first consonant when:

The word is preceeded by ‘An’, and
The first consonant is b, c, f, g, m or p

So it should be An Bhróg.

If I only paid more attention all those decades ago……

Time Flies

10/2/2014

YEAR

The 10th February, 2013 was the date of the first entry on this blog.

Little did I think when I did that course that the blog would still be going.

I suppose I might as well keep going for another while as I am enjoying myself.

History Repeats

10/2/2014

CASTLETOWNROCHE

In the early 1900s the village was a thriving self-sufficient community, there were up to a dozen grocery shops with a further ten adjoined pubs. During this time there was an amazing variety of trades in the village including butchers, bakers, blacksmiths, harness makers, nailers, carpenters, painters, basket makers, tailors and shoemakers. Prior to the advent of the motor car much of the entertainment came to town – visiting circus’, travelling show/cinemas, play companies and dance bands. The village also had its own Fife and Drum band, which was formed in 1909.

Castletownroche

This morning I was out and about around Old Blackrock Road, Victoria Avenue and Boreenmanna Road. I noted a few buildings that are now residences but in the past were shop units of some sort or other.

You will see many of their type in almost every village, town, suburb and city.

When I drove through Castletownroche a few weeks ago, it was a sleepy little town. It definitely did not give off the scent of a thriving commercial hub.

Does a similar fate await Cork city centre? Not just the cars as may have done for Castletownroche but parking; suburban shopping centres; human desire to have all things in one place; internet shopping.

If you like the convenience of a local shop, support it.

Shandon St

Ballinacurra, Co. Cork

Evergreen St

Cobh, Co. Cork

Meet You Further On Up The Road

9/2/2014

Last July, I walked along a section of the Dingle Way one day and stopped to rest at the Kilgobbin Cemetery.

I did very much like the wording and sentiment.

I did sit for a while.

ONE SUNNY MORNING

WE’LL RISE, I KNOW

AND MEET YOU

FURTHER ON UP

THE ROAD

UPDATE 8th FEBRUARY

I was reading Ian on For the Fainthearted yesterday and he also referred to Further On Up the Road.

I am now educated as to it being a song from Bruce Springsteen. Another track to add to the playlist.

"Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way is dark
And the night is cold
But one sunny morning we'll rise, I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road

Well I been out in the desert
Was doin' my time
Searching through the dust
Looking for a sign
If there's a light up ahead
Well, buddy, I don't know
But I got this fever
Burning in my soul
So let's take the good times as they come
And I'll meet you further on up the road"

UPDATE 2016.11.11

I was reminded of this today when reading, among the many things about Leonard Cohen, of the letter written to Marianne.

Lovely.

(YouTube link updated as previous one removed)

Yes, I am a carpenter.

8/2/2014

No, I will not renovate your house for free!

On my way for lunch yesterday, I spotted this sticker on the back of a white van parked off Dominick Street.

My first thought, which kept me occupied until I got to the café, was that I would have thought the sign more off-putting than attractive to potential customers. I would have considered it too smart a comment and if price was equal, it would be enough to tip the scales away from the van owner.

While waiting for my soup and sandwich, my head began to have a sea-change and there was potential for sympathy. What if this carpenter has been burnt by customers refusing to pay the correct amount after carrying out the works – these ‘customers’ may think them entitled to his services for free.

Maybe after giving a competitive quotation, potential customers say that they think the price high and expected a cost substantially less – a price that would just cover materials so his labour would be free. Maybe this has happened too often and he is sick of his time being wasted.

I finished the very tasty soup and sandwich and on my way back decided to call to the site where the carpenter was working to ask what propelled him to have the sign made to be told that he saw the sign in a shop and liked it.

My first thought returned.

I have long realised that I am rarely in a majority so my opinion may not reflect his ability to attract custom…….

A few more Heads

6/2/2014

Since putting up the blog about Neptune, I have noted a few more prominent heads on buildings in Cork.

To keep you distracted for the day, where are they?

Moving 'S' in your Stout

5/2/2014

I have been photographing some old advertisements for a short while.

Recently, I noted that that it appears that Guinness got rid of an ‘S’ at the end and Murphy added one.

I do not know as to why or when in either case,,,,

Coburg Lane

4/2/2014

Spotted some more Wall Art recently on the Laneway off Coburg St – between Sin É and the Corner house.

The ESB sub-station has an address of Coburg Lane – but that is the only sign with an address. Google Maps does also name it Coburg Lane.

Hallmark's Fear of the Apostrophe

3/2/2014

Winthrop Street, Cork

Last year, I pondered Hallmark’s efforts for St. Patrick’s Day.

It would appear that they have not yet perfected punctuation – Let Us = Let’s

Still A Puzzle

2/2/2014

On 18th January, I spotted this scene by the G.P.O..

Your guess is probably better than mine as to what was happening…

Chamberlain Lane

1/2/2014

I have commented previously that I am not a supporter of changing street names.

Compliments to the residents of 12 Industry Place for educating passers-by, me included, as to Chamberlain Lane.

Possibly the Cork Past & Present website may need another entry.