Obvious disclaimer: Somewhat off-topic post follows…
“Hello!WelcometoMcDonalds!WhatcanIgetforyoutoday?” says Charles, the young man standing behind the counter at one of the ubiquitous McDonald’s fast-food restaurants sprinkled throughout the world.
I’m immediately flummoxed; presented with a myriad of photographs and words, everything begins to blur into a mass of confusion. Sensing my hesitation, and possibly worried that one of the people in his queue may be upset that the ordering rate has decreased due to this customer who isn’t prepared, Charles helpfully prods me with, “doyouhaveanyquestionsonthemenuIcanhelpyouwithsir?”
I just wanted a hamburger, and a few other items for my kids as we take a break to refuel the family on a road trip.
“There are too many choices,” I state – still staring up the menu futilely. Giving in to the pressure, I muster up the nerve to just order blind, ” just give me a hamburger with mustard and ketchup only, a cheeseburger with onions only and McChicken(tm) sandwich with no Mayo.”
Tap tap tap. Tap. Tap tappity tap tap goes Charles as he enters my order into his terminal.
“Wouldyouliketoaddanyfrieswiththat?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah” – Sam likes fries, “Give me a large fry and onion rings” I announce with authority.
Tap, tappity tap, pause, “we don’t have onion rings.” flatly states Charles – picking this moment to carefully enunciate each word with the tone and meter of a person explaining something obvious to his younger (and less smart) sibling.



















