Do you mean the grungy white thing sticking up above the roof at the top center of the picture? That is one of those angled pole mounted flourescent fixture that you used to see at gas stations, and used car lots.. It's on a pole next to the building, and lights a parking lot.
You're not imagining things.. there are wires running down the outside of the conduit.. telco and catv.
The flex is a painted piece of SJ or SJO cable.. notice how it exits the bell box without any fittings..
