A bit closer to India

Posted 1 Dec 2008

Events, People, Places | Leave a Comment 

In wake of the recent attacks on Mumbai, I found myself more concerned than I expected over the welfare of the victims, and especially of the local Indians. Not typically callous to or ignorant of woes and tragedies that befall my fellow humans around the world, but I was certainly more drawn to the news stories, to the many posts and to the general press coverage than anticipated.

Since those attacks, I have pondered the reasons for this. I think it must be because of chickenmonkeydog. As you may know, we have a readership that includes a number of individuals in or from India and Pakistan. And through their comments on this site and on their respective blogs, I have come to know more about and be more interested in India, Pakistan and the people in that corner of the world. No, I didn’t ignore it beforehand – one of my closest friend in the UK is a native Indian – but it certainly wasn’t in my ‘Top Corners of the World’.

Something similar happened years ago when I began to work with Survivors Fund, an organisation dedicated to assisting survivors of the Rwandan genocide. Suddenly, Africa became much more than a geographic location with places and peoples of the world. It became very human, a place filled with personal stories, personal histories, personal tragedies and, of course, personal futures.

With so many demands on our attention (family, friends, jobs, the economy in today’s market, homelands, etc.), it’s easy to overlook much of what is going on in the world. I don’t say this as a criticism, but more of a statement of practical reality. (The street riots in Jos, Nigeria, have barely made the news in the wake of the assault on Mumbai.)

The internet has given us the ability not only to learn about the comings and goings of people and places around world, but also to connect and interact with those with whom we might otherwise never have crossed paths. And that can only be a good thing.

Warning: Confusing Warning Signs Ahead!

Posted 27 Nov 2008

Events, Language, Places, Signs | 3 Comments 

The Cliffs of Moher are amazing and breath-taking. Where the Atlantic ocean hits Ireland, these cliffs provide one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

To cope with the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come each year, the cliff edge has been protected by a wall and warning signs abound of the dangers.

Visitors to the cliffs are admonished to avoid karate-kicking the wall blocking access to the cliff edge.

Come close to read the small text explaining what the extreme danger is, only to realize the warning indicates that the cliff you now are standing on is “Extremely Unstable”.

Hopefully you readers can provide some thoughts on what this last warning sign might mean. Please help!

Think clearly. Act quickly.

Posted 21 Nov 2008

Commuting, People, Places, Signs | 5 Comments 

O’Hare Airport has many emergencies exits, and a number of these exits in Terminal 3 look like the one shown in the photo below:

(They may also look the same elsewhere at O’Hare, but this is where I’ve noticed them.)

I know it is hard to see in the pictures, but note that this door:

(1) Requires a security code input prior to use.
In case of an emergency, you’d better hope that you happen to be an airport employee with a security id code, and not just some Joe or Jane Traveller.

(2) Not using a security code would be a violation of both city and federal laws.
Break the law or stay put in an emergency – you can only choose one.

(3) Door can be opened in 15 seconds.
If this is a real emergency, fifteen seconds will seem like a really, really long time.

A marketed difference

Posted 12 Nov 2008

Daily Life, Language, Places, Signs | Leave a Comment 

When I first moved to the UK, back in 2002, I was surprised by the manner in which restaurants in particular marketed themselves on their signage and hoarding. Restaurants were claiming to be ‘probably the best’. Below is a similar sort of sign:

I used to laugh when I saw those sorts of signs. Only the best in this area? Probably the best? Yet over time, I have developed more of a sense of and appreciation for British culture. Thus, I came to appreciate their sense of understatement. Being seen as too cocky or forward might put customers off.

It was a real lesson in marketing the right message to the intended audience. Claiming to be ‘probably the best’ would never work in America; hey, America is the home of the World Series, where only American and Canadian teams compete. We like things big and loud with a showy sense of confidence. But clearly, that wouldn’t work here in the UK. It probably also wouldn’t work elsewhere as well.

So, I’d like to ask our international audience here, on chickenmonkeydog, how is marketing done in your corner of the world? What cultural differences on marketing need to be considered in your neck of the woods?

Welcome to London

Posted 11 Nov 2008

Commuting, Places, The Little Things | 4 Comments 

It’s 6.35 am on a Monday morning. You’ve just arrived in London’s Heathrow. It was a long, bumpy flight from Chicago, Melbourne or Mumbai and frankly you’re knackered. On the flight over, as you reviewed the paperwork for the business deal you’re in London to finalise, you developed a sense of concern over the professionalism of your new partners. Are they looking to cut corners? Do they only go the shortest distance required? Are they cheapskates?

Through baggage claim, past customs and into the arrivals lounge. Which driver did your new partner send for you?