I went to get my haircut today but the barber had left a small note on the door.

"Just popped out, be back in 20mins".

20mins from when? Have I got to wait 20 minutes or will you be back in 20 seconds?

The Be Back Countdown board is powered by a battery and has a countdowning digital time display and a whiteboard section for a message.

To be used by barbers or people who've parked illegally.
-- jonthegeologist, Aug 13 2004

Start with this http://www.thinkgee...ts/electronic/675e/
LED badge [Etymon, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

bake this one right away!
-- po, Aug 13 2004


Yes.
-- GutPunchLullabies, Aug 13 2004


And count up how late they are getting back.
-- FarmerJohn, Aug 13 2004


It's an instant classic!
-- phundug, Aug 13 2004


If you're late, it could change to, "I should have been back [4:31] minutes ago."
-- Detly, Aug 13 2004


Nice. A lot of people use a little paper clock face that they can adjust the hands on to signal when they expect to be back, but this is unnecessarily better. (+)
-- luecke, Aug 13 2004


But with this idea no one, you nor barber, ever needs to look at a clock.
-- phundug, Aug 13 2004


To be paired up with the optional "Should be Back Countdown Watch" which docks with the Be Back Countdown board when not in use.
-- st3f, Aug 13 2004


//20mins from when?//
That's the whole point of those boards. Unless you're prepared to wait for 20 minutes, you'll never know whether you're impatient or the barber's fibbing.
-- angel, Aug 13 2004


For quick settings, use a clockwork timer like those on microwave ovens. In fact, double up and have a chicken in the microwave: "I'll be back in time for dinner".
-- Ling, Aug 13 2004


Barbers purposefuly leave their premises and make you wait, so that your hair will be a fraction longer when they get round to cutting it. It's sick.
-- spiritualized, Aug 13 2004


I suppose you could say that you're being fleeced.
-- spiritualized, Aug 13 2004


I like this. [+]
-- Machiavelli, Aug 13 2004


Simple and necessary. Why is this not already baked?

Bravo! (+)
-- energy guy, Aug 13 2004


// but this is unnecessarily better //

this sums up the 'bakery to me [lueke]. Perfect.
-- jonthegeologist, Aug 14 2004


When you're late back by three times the original time period, it could change to "send out search party" instead?
-- david_scothern, Dec 30 2006



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