With all the fuss about live-action TV shows such as Survivor and
Eco-Challenge, it's easy to overlook the little acts of heroism taking
place around us every day.
The latest involves OMD Asia boss Mike Cooper, marketing consultant
Charles Brian-Boys and the Economist's Edward Burness, who occasionally
flits out to Asia from London for a bit of temping (in this case to
cover for Rupert Harrow who is in Europe getting hitched). Seasoned
hikers Cooper and Brian-Boys invited Burness for one of their mild
Sunday walks in Sai Kung, one of the most picturesque parts of Hong
Kong.
Burness turned up in heavyweight denim jeans and Gucci loafers. Suitable
perhaps for a gentle stroll through the English countryside. It didn't
take long for Burness' shirt to turn black with sweat and his face to
turn a deep shade of red. Increasingly frequent spells were necessary
for him to sit down and recover.
"Sadly, Edward's lack of fitness was revealed to all," says Cooper.
Brian-Boys, equally as concerned, thought Burness might cash his chips
in. But, while Typhoon Ed may have been hot and bothered and hanging
onto life by a thread, he still had his wits about him. And revenge was
uppermost on his mind. This was revealed days later. "The bastard left
his socks in my car," wailed Cooper.
