Adam Thinks » subway

I got your back, Zune.

Adam — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:41:33 +0000

Did you know Microsoft recently released a new Zune? No, you didn’t. And since I always root for the underdog, I decided to help Microsoft out with their ad campaign.

I’m not going to lie, this works on a lot of levels, but I think graphic designers will really appreciate my use of the font Arial to represent Zune while keeping the iPhone type in Helvetica. This is because font fanatics, like comic book dorks and Civil War reenactors, dedicate their lives to obscure minutia that doesn’t matter.

Greta Van Susteren

Adam — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:20:38 +0000

Here’s an ad I saw in the subway for Greta Van Susteren’s TV show.

Bold. Powerful. Persistent. I could not agree more. No one is more bold in persistently asking the powerful dumb questions.

More Wet Paint Anagrams

Adam — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:16:33 +0000

For those who missed it, back in January I took some New York City subway “Wet Paint” signs and rearranged the letters to say other things.

Afterwords I thought of some more Wet Paint anagrams, but none really seemed worth a second post. That is, until I thought to use two signs.

Enjoy.

And I think that about does it for wet paint signs.

Suspicious Subway Sights

Adam — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:19:41 +0000

In the wake of 9/11, the New York subways started the “If you see something, say something.” campaign.

What I like most about this campaign is how I interpret it to be the Metropolitan Transit Authority deputizing me to personally dispense justice to the subterranean world.

However, I am not perfect. I’ve seen many suspicious things that I kept to myself. So, in the spirit of honesty and transparency, here’s a list of everything I failed to report to a police officer or MTA employee.

1. Someone without an iPod.

2. A quiet group of high school kids.

3. A crowded train without anyone reading Atlas Shrugged.

4. A passed out drunk who hasn’t wet himself.

5. A tastefully done advertisement for Dr. Zizmor.

6. People moving all the way into the subway during rush hour, instead of crowding the doors.

7. Detailed and anatomically accurate penis graffiti.

8. A guy successfully getting a girl’s number.

9. A late night G train running normally.

10. Out of work Julliard grads trying to make rent.

I know, it’s shameful how many times I stayed silent, but it feels good to come clean. It’s like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. From now on I promise to be more vigilant, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me my past transgressions.

John Roland: Compensated Spokesperson

Adam — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:58:45 +0000

If you live in New York City, you may have noticed this advertisement in the subway.

Wilens & Baker, P.C. really knocked it out of the park when they hired John Roland to be their spokesperson. I mean look at him.

He is such the perfect combination of old and white, that you can’t help but trust the guy. I would like to get injured on the job, just so I can use the services John Roland is paid to speak for.

It saddens and angers me that John Roland wasted 40 years of his life as a news anchor, when he could have spent that time pushing more products. Seriously, I doubt we would even be in this economic crisis if John Roland was out there more, instilling consumer confidence. Who could resist an advertisement like this?

If John Roland accepts money to tell me to eat dog food, I’ll eat dog food.

Or even…

But really, none of these take full advantage of John Roland’s trust inducing visage. Let’s dream really big.

That’s right. John Roland could take out an advertisement conning me into buying the Brooklyn Bridge, and not only would he get my entire life savings, he would get away with it. What jury could possibly convict John Roland? Maybe a jury of robots, but I doubt even their cold silicon hearts can deny his soulful eyes and open face.

Wet Paint Anagrams

Adam — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:01:02 +0000

If you live in New York City, you have undoubtedly seen the Wet Paint signs in the subway, and have also seen the sign rearranged to say Aint Wet.

Whoever first thought to tear off the P and rearrange the words is a genius. So perfect in both form and function, it’s hard to believe the idea ever did not exist.

But I am not content with such utilitarian ideas. It is the superfluous and sublime that captivate me. Are there other anagrams that can open eyes and lift spirits?

In other words, can I be the love child of Will Shortz and Andy Goldsworthy?

And if so, isn’t that worth a few unexpected paint stains?