These are a few shots of a holiday display by Hysan, one of the more successful property developers here in HK. It's mounted on one of their most exclusive properties. I honestly didn't know what to make of this - obviously a lot of time and money went into it, but one wonders what the hell they were thinking exactly. The christ reference is pretty obvious - seems he has kept the halo but dispensed with the cross and bleeding wounds. He's also upgraded his outfit, no doubt because Louis Vitton and Dior are right across the street. I don't know what the albino peacock represents, nor the braided chef, who seems quite put out at having to cater the event. The magic-spark throwing child looks more like a safety ad for the dangers of present generated static electricity. And finally there's the traditional xmas fairy queen, complete with her famous dry ice well/pocket watch potted plant combo...

This is from a salon's door in Wan Chai. I have no idea how Uncle Sam is supposed to help Chi Chi Hair sell the $380 special to the locals, but as an expat Yank I was overcome by a sudden wave of patriotic zeal, and very nearly partook of the enigmatic 'digital perm' myself...

This is an older bus kiosk ad for a street party in Lan Kwai Fong, the premier expat drinking neighborhood on the HK side. I was taken in by his wild eyes, maniacal smile, and cross-cultural hindu god/genie combo. Here we have all the essential ingredients to a classic HK shindig - some old school vinyl, sushi, a freshly flown in Maine lobster, a large whisk, a margarita (although tequila isn't exactly popular here), and of course a fresh baguette... now thats a party.

Here is a an ad for a newer high rise. HK developers are always looking for swanky-sounding names (like 'the beverly hills', 'le villa de mansion' etc), but I like this nod to modern inflationary trends. no millionaires allowed - billiionaires only. I think the beams of light actually scan for non-billionaires, and eradicate them on contact. I suppose it's too ambitious to call a building 'le trillionaire' (at least outside Zimbabwe, where pretty much anyone still using the local currency is automatically a trillionaire...)

I think this speaks for itself. I suppose I could think of some counterexamples, but why spoil the mood?

I came across this a few places in the MTR - it seems that its not enough to merely eliminate bad breath causers; you must first humiliate them in traditional Chinese fashion: force them to crawl on thier knees, shackled with pillory-style handcuffs, and mounted with placards proclaiming their heinous crimes. I suppose the next billboard with show the miscreants brutally executed and mounted on poles as a grim warning to other potential offenders...

SOCCER!!



I say again - SOCCERRR!!!

This is a small ice cream franchise here in HK - not very good honestly, but in their defense the portions truly are 'jumbo'. And the name 'snow of house' belies a zen-like understanding not only of snow-based dairy products but how we perceive and define such products, nay reality itself. They move beyond a simple 'snow house' or 'house of snow' to a snow composed of 'house', perhaps similar to the platonic ideal of 'statue' slumbering in each block of virgin marble - the house locked in each snowfall...

Bamboo Garden Icy-Crispy Dragon Beard Candy.
WOW. I have nothing to add...

This little guy was given to my oldest daughter at a safety workshop. His two-fold mission is to exhort Hong Kongers to attain the laudable goal of 'zero traffic accidents' - and to act as a handy paper holder of course. What makes him truly odd, apart from his car/hat, is the matching set of 'wheels' on the back of his head. Initially I thought this was a bizarre attempt to complete the car motif; then it occured to me that this was in fact a second set of eyes, strategically placed to assist him in his mission. I also like his wrap-around toga/belt, constructed of a green swath of accident free highway; note that it also covers his spirit genitalia - modesty and traffic safety, stylishly combined.

As China grows wealthier (relatively) and more mainlanders can afford to visit Hong Kong, the obvious distinctions between the two populations are becoming blurred. Until very recently it was all too easy to spot the mainland tourists; they often sported odd blazer/sweater combinations and wore far more somber color schemes (usually gray and navy blue) than the ever fashionable locals. As the tourists have gained more access, one sees more and more mainlanders who blend in quite well. The only easily discernible difference continues to be the shoes. Mainland gentlemen seem to continue their preference for odd 'italian' loafers, with small buckles, usually black and well worn. They also smoke more than the locals; a usual giveaway to a Chinese tour group is the ubiquitous cigarette in everyone's hand, especially after exiting a bus or building.

No one does disturbing mascots quite like the Japanese, although Hong Kongers take a close second. I saw this on a bus side in Causeway Bay; I'm not sure what the tooth is doing exactly, though he seems enraptured to the point of salivating with his new toast(?) or lozenge girlfriend. I am guessing this is an ad for a tooth-ache remedy, but god who knows. I especially like the real life park bench they're sharing on their 'date'. Maybe he'll try the old yawning-arm stretching routine...

This was the side panel to an ancient (80's) tabletop basketball game in Gold Coast resort's playroom. I'm pulling for the Winds...

This is a pair of socks for sale in the Little India neighborhood of Singapore. English-language mutilations are easy pickin's in Singapore and HK; in fact whole books of said butcherings have been amassed, usually by sardonic expats snickering at the natives (while they themselves are don't speak a word of Cantonese). Still, some are just too amazing to pass up, and this one merits special recognition. The socks also stand in stark counterpoint to 'Prince Charming', the bling wearing frog that shares the bin.

Who would wear 'be alcoholist frog' socks you ask? Perhaps a better question - who wouldn't? We are exhorted to not only 'wear' alcoholist frog socks, but to 'be alcoholist frogs'...that's heavy.

Perhaps no phrase I’ve come across sums up the local definition of success than this tagline for a local development. Hong Kongers are the most unabashedly materialistic people I have ever come across; it’s almost refreshing in a way, as they are totally unapologetic about it. One strives to succeed and one shows off the results. The number of roccoco furniture and chandelier stores here are staggering - there seems to be a generational idea here that success is defined by Loius XIV chairs and leopard skin couches. It’s a bit like nouveau riche texans - without the accompanying rudeness or swagger (yes I have been to texas and of course not all texans swagger; although they do seem to truly believe that they have the biggest and best ribs, oysters etc. and that they have the biggest texas-sized helpin’s). And yes they both are wielding magic wands...

A newer variety of upscale HK lifestyle - modern pseudo european. There are of course quite a few high end italian furniture retailers, catering to a younger taste than the cosmo chic set. I couldn’t resist the potential pillow fight motif - “La Dolce Vita” indeed.

In the interests of full disclosure I should mention that I bought some ‘italian design-chinese execution’ (mainland knockoffs) - from them and have to say they were very nice + accommodating. They even volunteered the chinese origins of the pieces, something locals don’t always do.

I'm not usually one to quote Ace Frehley (who is?) but I thought it appropriate considering that it's taken me several months, two web providers, three site builders, etc. to get the blong up and running again. Thanks to the handful of people who politely asked 'where the hell is the new content?'
I've scavenged my first few original posts and will be putting them up soon as well. Still figuring out the place image option in Rapidweaver, which I highly recommend by the way. Far superior to Word Press (well meaning but ponderous at best).