Tuesday, January 16, 2007

A lighter editorial

Editorials in newspapers are typically perceived to be serious and typically (atleast stereotypically!) read by nobody except those with grey hair who don't have a better job to do or political leaders who have got so much to do. For example one may start like.

The ongoing war on terrorism in pursuit of the fundamentalist ethnic groups is a commendable behaviour in the light of continuous attacks on civilians and high valued soft-targets instead of judicial scrutiny on the mushrooming militant movements....


I think such a heavy text and serious tone is what is driving away people. For a change, Vijay Times, a newspaper from Bangalore reports this in their Op-Ed page:



Title: Giants Refreshed

The Bangkok municipal office is reported to have "sanctioned" siesta time for its staff in order that they may wake up invigorated and work harder in the second half. But wait, they won't be sitting in their chairs for a quick nap but in a separate room with the fragrance of freshly-cut flowers and soft music...

Our babus (pet name for Government or Administrative staff in India) will be pleased if such a step is introduced here too. To sleep and to .... snore! However, for them this may not make a difference, as they have enjoyed this facility quietly for years....

A better way of conveying the message, in my opinion.

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2 comments:

Karthik S said...

I dont know if i mentioned this to you. The company that i went for in Philippines had a similar system of afternoon siesta. Infact i was taken aback at lights around me going off by the sound of clock clicking 12 (noon). I turned around and to my surprise found a bunch of people removing objects from their back (similar to indian actors removing sickles from the back of shirt). And they were cushions for a change. So, people pulled out these cushions and were sleeping to glory for the next hour or so. Later i found out that its part of the reminescent cult of the spaniards that have imbibed this "siesta".

Karthik S said...

Speaking about Philippines, the company also had an interesting banner in the front desk "Please deposit your firearms here". I was imagining to myself as to what 'weapons of mass destruction' could one carry and if so honest enough to deposit at the front desk. Funny but true.