Friday, October 07, 2005

All is Calm, Keep Doing What You're Doing...

I had a unique experience at the Paris casino the other day. During a break at the Reuter's conference, I hit the tables for about a half an hour. I was doing well but also checking my watch to see when I had to be back into the next session. While I was at the table, something seemed off and gradually I became aware that the fire alarm was going off.

Now, in normal circumstances it's almost impossible to ignore a fire alarm. When I was at CertCo, the building had an alarm so loud and annoying, it cut through your thoughts like a serrated knife. It was impossible to ignore it for more than a few minutes before fleeing the building or going insane. A casino floor is a little different and already has a lot of flashing lights and noise, so it took a while for people to figure this out. It was also, I think, the least intrusive alarm I've ever heard. Quiet, almost like background music or your conscience ("You should probably flee for life... something is wrong... the building is on..hey! Don't split 7's against a 8, are you nuts?? oh, flee the building... idiot..."..). A few minutes later, as people began to notice the well-synchronized strobes, a recorded voice came over the loudspeaker, again just above the din of slot machines, gamblers and prostitutes. It said:
"The Fire Alarm has gone off. The situation is under control. We will advise you if you have to leave the building. The situation is under control. DO not panic. Do not flee the building."

It all but said, "what ever happens, don't stop gambling"

and no one did.

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