As we move further along in the educational experience from Taipei City, Taiwan …
This was conveniently located on the same block as Taco Clang, KFZ and Jack in the Lid.
One of the things I love about Asia: pure innovation. We see a sign and immediately think it has one simple meaning. But here, signs are apparently intended to offer many uses. Just sit back — hopefully not in the same position as this poor woman — and consider the possibilities of this multipurpose slogan (and word construction).
This might be the coolest toy ever. Or the creepiest. Or that ribbed, slightly oily, fake body part you blush while purchasing but can’t find enough orifices for once you’re back home and the blinds are shut. Or a new indie band from Williamsburg with Tip Touchings as the lead singer/cellist.
Ah, remember those days on the Pacific Coast in 1985? Oh, you don’t? Well, let me help. It’s a Friday evening in Oxnard. You’re in a Toyota Celica. The radio goes straight from “Money For Nothing” to “Boys of Summer” to “If You Love Someone (Set Them Free)” before mellowing out as the sun goes down to the soothing strains of Phil Collins’s “One More Night.” You’re riding shotgun and you turn to your buddy in the driver’s seat. “Amusement of holiday?” you ask, and he smiles that knowing smile. “Smash your face!!” he yells, punching the dashboard maybe a little too hard for emphasis. You smile back, knowing that the two of you will soon clean the mind on big holiday. Yup, it’s decided. He makes a U-turn. You’re off to BIGEYSE, where paradise of light awaits and you will both enjoy favorite point like never before.
Oh, big fuckin’ deal. Seattle do it true since 1869. New York do it true since a hell of a lot longer than that.
You have to really look to find political statements in Taiwan, but they’re there. This one obviously heralds the government of real change and openness that will soon sweep through the streets of the capital city of Taipei, headed by a white guy with dark shades and a George Michael five o’clock shadow who always wears a green shirt.
Whoa. Wait a second. That’s not very new transparent.
Fortunately, any confusion that might arise within the realm of affairs of state can be alleviated by a return to the cataclysmic achievement in the areas of technology and betterment of society. In other words, who doesn’t want a pink pad that scrubs dishes and can later be slathered with hummus and crammed down eager gullets at your winning dinner party honoring the emancipation of Libya?
And let this be a lesson to all you stressed-out event coordinators, PR flacks, wedding organizers, office managers and people who need new socks. Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs a nice funny planning room.
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