WAR AGAINST THE ABU SAYYAF

The ongoing military offensive in the Southern Philippines has raised the hackles of the Catholic Church and various groups, saying that peace negotiations are still a better alternative. Basilan Catholic Bishop Martin Jumoad said that the deaths of 15 marines and 40 rebels in the battle to take an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in the remote Basilan town of Ungkaya Pukan were a waste of life and that the bloodbath should come to an end.

MISCOMMUNICATION AT WORK

In this day and age of communication marvels such as the cell phone and the internet, miscommunication still occurs at the workplace. The following is an often cited and humorous take on work miscommunication:

Memo from CEO to Manager:

Today at 11 o’clock there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when the sun disappears behind the moon for two minutes. As this is something that cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the parking lot. Staff should meet in the lot at ten to eleven, when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background information. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.

Memo from Manager to Department Head:

Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will appear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The CEO will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some information. This not something that can be seen everyday.

Memo from Dept. Head to Floor Manager:

The CEO will today deliver a short speech to make the sun disappear for two minutes in the form of an eclipse. This is something that cannot be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.

Memo from Floor Manager to Supervisor:

Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the CEO will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn’t happen every day. It will be safe, and as usual it will cost you.

Memo from Supervisor to Staff:

Some staff will go to the car park today to see the CEO disappear. It is a pity, this doesn’t happen everyday.