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?

So, what the hell was that?!

Posted 5 Nov 2008

Commuting, Daily Life, Places | 17 Comments 

Yesterday, I was standing at the bus stop in front of the Hilton Hotel in Shepherds Bush (London), waiting for a bus back to Oxford. There was a particular chap there, perhaps in his late 30s or 40s, very weathered, thin and looking a bit rough. He was by himself. He was ripping open the packaging of a roll of kitchen foil (aluminum foil) with such vigour and consternation that I was frightened. Although he stood less than five feet from a rubbish bin, he dashed the torn shreds of cardboard on the ground in a haphazard and disturbing way. I found myself unconsciously stepping back from him and behind a low wall as I looked on.

Having freed the roll of foil from the box, this guy ripped a square foot of foil from the roll, dropping the rest of the roll on the ground. He then neatly folded the square of foil and placed it in the back pocket of his trousers.

That done, he caught the next bus that pulled up to the stop. The discarded roll of kitchen foil remained on the ground.

So, what was all that about? Does anyone have any ideas?

(Oh, sorry for no photos on this. I was too confused and, to be perfectly honest, frightened, to snap a shot of the discarded roll of foil after the guy was gone.)