Joke of the Week: Lost in Translation
Problem: Surveying Mathematics: Trigonometry
Cool Link of the Week: United Nations: Maps and Geographic Information Resources

Each week, we present a surveying problem for you to solve from "1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems" by Jan Van Sickle, PLS, some jokes, trivia or other amusing items and a cool link to brighten your day. If you have a joke or link you would like to share, please submit it to lyonsw@bnpmedia.com.

Have fun, and have a great week!

Joke of the Week: Lost in Translation

In honor of United Nations Day Friday, Oct. 17, we offer these funny translation mishaps. It makes one wonder if world peace can ever be achieved.

In a Paris, France, hotel elevator:
“Please leave your values at the front desk.”

Outside a Paris, France, dress shop:
“Dresses for street walking.”

In an Italian Schweppes Tonic Water campaign:
“Schweppes Toilet Water”

A warning to motorists in Tokyo, Japan:
“When a passenger of the foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet at him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage, then tootle him with vigor.”

An Acapulco, Mexico, hotel sign:
“The manager has personally passed all the water served here.”

In a Bucharest, Romania, hotel lobby:
“The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.”

In a hotel in Athens, Greece:
“Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. daily.”

In the window of a furrier in Sweden:
“Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin.”

In the lobby of a Moscow, Russia, hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery:
“You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists and writers are buried daily except Thursday.”

In a Copenhagen, Denmark, airline ticket office:
“We take your bags and send them in all directions.”

Problem: Surveying Mathematics: Trigonometry

While working down a section line from a witness corner monument toward a standard corner in the public land survey system, a surveyor finds that the record indicates a measurement of 15 chains, 64 links. Which value corresponds to that length?

(A) 514 ft, 3 in
(B) 313.05 m
(C) 64.52 rods
(D) 344.08 yd

This is problem 9(1-6) from the new second edition of “1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems” by Jan Van Sickle, PLS. Reprinted with permission from “1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems” by Jan Van Sickle, PLS (1997, 728 pp., Professional Publications Inc.). For details on this and other FLS exam-prep books, call 800/426-1178 or visit www.ppi2pass.com.

> Click here for last week's question and solution

Cool Link of the Week: United Nations: Maps and Geographic Information Resources

Find the latest deployment maps of U.N. peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding and political missions, including Afghanistan and Darfur. A large variety of country profile and thematic maps are also available.  

www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/english/htmain.htm