When the sign says the train will be 0:05 late, it won't be 0:05 late. If it were going to be 0:05 late, they wouldn't say anything at all. In reality it will be 0:30 late. But they won't say it will be 0:30 late, because that would mean the train will be 1:30 late.
I got off a good line when I got on the train. I stepped in, saw a retirement-age couple already seated, and asked, Philadelphia? They said, yeah, that's where they're going, but they're not sure either, they hope they're in the right place. I said, yeah, I think this is right. (Pause) And, if there's one thing last week's news has taught us, it's that you can trust a guy in a suit.
That got a laff.
Ads in the Newark train station
A big picture of a hot-dog guy holding a mustard-slathered beauty, next to the words: You Want Cancer With That? Medical research shows hot dogs increase your risk of cancer... [An ad for some law firm that's suing food manufacturers.]
The Retreat at Princeton
Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment for Executives & Professionals
www.RetreatAtPrinceton.com
Yeah, you're right about the fact that if the train was going to be :05 late, they wouldn't say anything.
About hot dogs increasing cancer risk: it seems like EVERYTHING nowadays supposedly cause cancer. It's so bad that I don't even pay attention to such things anymore.
Angela
A great post. That's all I have to say.
Every week newspapers come up with reports about something new giving you cancer, I remember not long ago it was anti-persperiant sprays and now Hot Dogs! If that's true then over half of the world is in trouble.
The whole 5 minutes late thing is the same as with any place for customer relations. They will tell you anything to make it seem like yes, what is happening now isn't good, but it won't be that bad. When in reality everyone knows they are telling a fib. You can't blame all of them, as they are told to be like that from everyone educating them on customer relations.
I like the "trust a guy in a suit" line. I am going to have to use that one sometime soon.
Yea, it's true...The air you breathe contains carcinogens. None of us are gonna make it out alive so enjoy that hotdog on me!
wiregrass
I don't know. A good hotdog might be worth some cancer.
That depends on the hotdog, of course :)