Archive for September, 2007

ENOUGH… of those crap boards on traffic lights!

Yeah, yeah, I know. Road safety is a big issue nowadays in Qatar. And rightfully so – driving in Qatar is shockingly bad, especially for newcomers. From time to time you can read funny news on the Internet, like when some tourist websites describe driving in Qatar as “equal to practicing an extreme sport” or the recent interview of the former US ambassador to Qatar where he’s saying how Qatar is safe and friendly and he felt safe here all the time, but the only thing that was dangerous while living in Doha were terrifying roundabouts when his wife had to drive by herself…

But, c’mon, these boards??? On almost every traffic light in Doha they’ve hanged incredibly ugly ridiculous boards with slogans like “Enough” “Brother, where are you” “Father, where are you” etc. Artwork looks as if it is done by a retarded 5-year old who had half day to learn Photoshop.

Boards contributed tremendously to uglyfying Doha, just now in times when it is becoming known and respected worldwide! This makes Qatar look like a third world country – like one of those emails circulating with stupid road signs in Syria or Bangladesh!

And, NO, they will not contribute to road safety either – only thing they CAN do is to make even more accidents as you have to squint to figure out what is meant to be represented on those ugly artworks, or you burst laughing when you see “Enough” sign written in “Rocky Horror Show” font!

ENOUGH! Remove that crap now!

And, if they really really want to improve the road safety, one word – IMPLEMENTATION. Put more police on the roads, put more cameras everywhere and be tough and strict with the implementation of existing laws. No 12-year olds racing in the Land Cruisers, which is, IMHO, the greatest cause of accidents in Doha! Impede daddy’s cars! Fine them thousands of ryials! And you’ll see.

About Airport WiFi and smoking

Hi all… I didn’t write for a while on my Blog… you know, vacations etc…

Well, first of all – few impressions from various airports and airlines:

During the summer, I visited Istanbul, Beirut and Abu Dhabi Airports.

Istanbul: If you’re ever connecting trough Istanbul, having HSBC bank account is a MAJOR advantage – you’re allowed to use “ORANGE” lounge which is wonderful, spaceus and clean. Wi-Fi available and fast. Hours pass buy quickly and easily. Highly recommended.

Beirut: For you smokers out there this place is a treat: probably the only Airport on the planet where you’re allowed to light up while waiting for you luggage! Even Istanbul won’t let you do that! Hooray!

Abu Dhabi: It’s kinda like Doha 10 years ago. Unorganized, unprofessional mess. Apparently, Abu Dhabi is now waking up and wants to be a business hub… Ugh, it’s gonna take a while. Even simple things like going to transfer desk require a fair amount of yelling, frustration, etc.

And one more thing: What’s up with not having WiFi in Airport lounges? Both Beirut and Abu Dhabi make you buy a card to access it (and in Abu Dhabi – well nobody knows where to get the card, how much is it and how to use it ???????)

C’mon people, it’s 2007, wake up. Having WiFi in the Business Lounge is a necessity, NOT a luxury! Ask Doha, Dubai (or any other airport in civilized world).

Burger King!

Living here in the Middle East one gets used to a fair share of stupid, silly or even worse advertising campaigns. Yes, we all know, the industry is still new, lots of amateurish companies, etc, so you’re kinda used to it, and just learn to ignore endless dumbness.

But this one is waaay and beyond and deserves a special mention.

First – Burger King started something called “Chicken Fries” that are, ehm, pieces of chicken shaped like French (for our American friends, “Freedom”) Fries. TV commercial that was endlessly aired featured two (poorly done) 3D chicken, Father and a Son, with son hanging out with French Fries and father asking him what he is doing. Young Chick answers that now he can also be Fries!

This one must be seen to be believed! It reminds you of that classic SNL animated sketch about a chicken “wow – they frying me, thank god I’m dead”, just, you know, these people are not joking…

Now – they are hanging posters (can be seen on roundabouts and in Burger Kings) that are done using complete Finding Nemo design, fonts and a layout, to ADVERTIZE HAMMOUR (FISH) BURGER !!!!!

You like a little fishy called Nemo?

Eat a fish burger.

As this campaign is developing, I can’t wait to see a cute little Cow recommending you to eat his buttock because it’s tender (Hitchiker’s Guide anyone?)