the other one rings the white house

It has taken a year for the the renovations for the offices of my new department to be completed. There were budget and code reasons for some of the long-awaited issues to be resolved, and 11 months after the move-in we finally got the ID security locks installed. For the first week or two after we had the ID entry system in place, the suite doors were unlocked during business hours. However, security is a serious concern the offices should be kept to approved proximity access. What we were waiting for to finalize the entry issue was the installation of phones in the hallway so visitors could call in for entry. The suite has two entrances down the hall from each other so we needed two phones. When, finally, Facilities informed us that they could install the phone lines, they noted that there would be yet an additional delay while they ordered the actual phones. They only had two phones in stock that were the same color. We would rather have it operating now than waiting for our Princess Phone Colors of Choice to be delivered from 1964 where they were last seen.

We said we'd take what they had.

The phones are red.

I'm totally cool with the red phones. I'm in the office that is the first door within the building's first door, and considering the many tales of laptops, phones and iPads disappearing, I am happy to have the doors locked.

Our leader posted a department directory in the window, but you would be amazed how many people peer above the directory and knock until someone hears them, oblivious to the names, numbers or actual phone. Seriously, they claim not to notice either the phone nor the instructions/list.

But the Big Red Phones cracked me up. Every time I pick one up I want to say "This is the President, launch the missiles!"

However, there are those other red phones which are even more iconic. It was suggested I come up with something to direct people to pick up the damn phone to their right to call in for access. As is my way, I thought the red phones could also use some commentary. My solution:

I posted Batman without comment, and intended it to come down at the end of the day. My bosses, however, love it, and we all feel much safer knowing that the Dark Knight has our backs. Or rather our fronts.  Batman stays.

Oh, and the other office door with the other red phone? Where do you think it rings?