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.

Don’t Drink and Fight Fires

Posted 14 Nov 2008

Daily Life, Drinks, People, Signs | Leave a Comment 

“It is the duty of all members of the Public being on the premises to conduct themselves in such a way that no person on the premises is exposed to danger from fire through any act or omission of theirs”

Geez. All I wanted to do was have a few pints, yet suddenly I have to make sure that I don’t omit doing anything which could prevent any person on the premises from being exposed to danger.

It reminded me of Asimov’s first rule of robotics, yet it was missing the crucial additional qualifiers. Sure, I don’t want anyone to come to harm and I certainly will do my best to prevent any dangerous situations, but the absolute and all-encompassing nature of the posted demands are well beyond the skill of this completely untrained fire-fighter. Again, too much work for a fellow just looking for a drink.

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?

I need some help washing my hands

Posted 10 Nov 2008

Daily Life, People, Signs | 4 Comments 

Why do so many people leave the bathroom without washing their hands? Furthermore, is this a tendency that only exists among men, or do women also partake in this non-sanitary agenda? It seems to me like it would be as gross for the person not washing hands as it is for everyone else, so I really have no idea.

Still, while I may not know how wide-spread this “non-hand-washing” epidemic is spread, I can provide you with one useful piece of info. On Southport Avenue in Chicago you can find a store which offers “expert handwashing” for those folks that need a little help or instruction. Feel free to refer people.