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December 04, 2003
Paleolithic Incompetence
A funny phrase. Not mine, my colleague's. Describing the work done on the new office. Setting up a new office, here, a real nightmare. Let's say the work ethic lacks in certain areas. Office is not quite what was expected.
Fine. But the explanations from the contractor were hilarious, if infuriating.
For example, when my dear colleague asks Abu Mohammed why, of why did it not occur to his painters to just perhaps tape over the window frames when paining such that the paint would not spill over, the guy replies - and this was classic, "I have an ulcer." I think his strategy was, if I tell the foreigners complete non-sequitors they will become confused and accept the shitty job I have done.
Even better, against my colleague's wishes, he installed a "butt washer" as my colleague charmingly calls the rear end spritzing device, in the toilet. Now the previously working toiler leaks. So, my colleague asks the fellow, what the hell happened? The guy responds, "It's needs a washer." Now, he's the drooling chimpanzee that installed it, and he is essentially telling us, "Hello, I am a moron, I installed some device you told me not to on your toilet and now it leaks water because I forgot the washer." Of course as he phrased it, it was as if the washer forgot to install itself.
If I were not exhausted, I would use this as an opportunity to reflect on issues of economic development in the Arab world, but instead I leave you with my colleague's phrase, "paleolithic incompetence."
I guess I shouldn't laugh.
Posted by The Lounsbury at December 4, 2003 06:20 PM
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Jan-Dec 2003
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