Surprise Surprise

"McDonald's CEO, Steve Easterbrook, who admitted that his company's decision to improve worker wages and benefits has actually resulted in improved sales, contrary to what many skeptics predicted would hurt the business. "The improvements we made to our compensation and benefits package to employees in U.S.-company operated restaurants, along with expanding [the tuition assistance program] Archways to Opportunity ... have resulted in lower crew turnover and higher customer satisfaction scores," he told Wall Street analysts." - Via ATTN:

I know that I've posted the following Teddy Roosevelt quote--and I know I'll post it again and again so long as it remains true in times like this: 

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

Good to see McDonald's doing what they thought was the wrong thing that turned out to be the right thing for business, since they never would have known either way had they continued to do nothing like so many others.

- PatInTheHat

Meaningless Memories

I remember driving down a nearly empty road with you on a summer weekend heading toward a thrift.

I remember jamming to musical interests we had in common and laughing to Weird Al songs while the next adventure awaited our arrival.

I remember the wedding we were guests at. At the reception I would keep forgetting that we were only guests and not the bride and groom. But now I know for a fact that we were guests.

I remember the seasonably cold trip to California. Or was it Seattle?

I remember watching the Food Network in bed as we dozed off after a long day. We were able to do that because we never went to bed hungry.

I remember when you took me to see my favorite sports team. You weren't even a fan of sports.

I remember the book you made me, painted over glued pages that held relevant-to-us song lyrics along with a mixtape. You told me that it symbolized a proposal if I wanted it to be. Good thing I never said "yes."

I remember when I was your outlet, your pillow to scream into. I hated seeing you upset, but I lived to make you feel better. It made me happy.

I remember when I planned a semi-secret date night for us both. You knew when, but didn't know where. When I arrived at your place, you were just finishing getting ready for a night out. You looked beautiful. To think I actually felt bad that the secret was making you a meal I started preparing a day in advance. Our last supper. I learned how to cook for you.

I remember our birthdays, because they were either surprises or simply when we were surrounded by great friends.

I remember when you forced me to watch that show about a man who time travels in a blue box.

I remember the zoo. The exotic birds landed on us in the bird cage, and we laughed at how comfortable they were while we had food for them. And how distant they became when we had nothing to offer.

I remember the drunken nights with friends. The loud laughter. The long conversations.

I remember when you told me to remember the happy times and then walked away.

What happy times?

- PatInTheHat

Backwards

In fear of a discontented overlord, he sped to work recklessly honking and yelling at those that drove in his way. A minute cannot be wasted.

In a calm, apathetic haze, he calmly drove home to see his wife and kids. Minutes can be wasted.

Repeat.

-PatInTheHat

Clover

First time I met her
With skin so fair
As pale as the moon
With a flower in her hair

Her friends gathered 'round
To celebrate this day
Without a cloud in the sky
The sun on her face

A man began to speak
To the crowd that came by
To give honor to this woman
Who is still as she lies

A leaf began to fall

From the tree branch above

As the speaker told everyone 

A story of love

She was his daughter

He only had one

With his only wife

A love that never came undone

What he does not know

Is that the girl was in love too

To a man never met over seas

From some site on the tube

I loved her to death

Never to see her die

And now I feel more alone

And left wondering, "Why?"

- PatInTheHat

Misanthrope

Behind podium
Chest out
Tie tight
Belt buckled
Shoes, lace-less

"I'm a man"
He declared
Pointing hand
In the air
"...obviously"

Is it? Are you?
Stereotyped himself
No one asked
No one cared
Self-aware

"Men go right.
Women go left.
In between,
Go home.
Leave us alone."

Idiocracy
Ignorance
Political fad
Now we care
Why go there?

"They'll rape!
Assault!
No one else
At fault!
Lay down the law!"

Except you?
Ha, this dude
Did he forget?
Did he regret
His own malcontent?

Months ago
Alleged bathroom assault
Always "alleged"
With these government heads
Is he kidding?

Of course not
Robot
Beep bopping agenda
Crowd stopped
Cheering now

Boo birds came out
Speaker's doubt, too.
We don't take kindly
To hypocrisy.
You're no deity.

Consistency is key
To rid ourselves
Of this insanity
Let them be.
Let them pee.

I'm only
Afraid of you
Lying to listeners
Dying to be mislead
And misinformed

- PatInTheHat