James Franco's Stock Just Shot Up

Until this morning, I wasn't much of a James Franco fan. Seth Rogen has the erroneous belief that shock = humor, and Franco keeps doing that kind of movie with him. Shock is self-oriented, self-indulgent; it's more about the shocker than the shockee, so to speak. Shock humor gives the shocker a chance to laugh at the reaction of the person or audience targeted, and I think it's easy to mistake that inward amusement for something that is funny for everybody. A little of it works, sure, but a little of it goes a long way. Rogen, Franco, and whoever they're working with, however, appear to think a movie can be filled with it.

Here's a scene from This Is the End, for example. You don't need to watch it; it's about someone jizzing on a magazine. The scene goes on and on.... And on. Later in the movie, Franco appears to have some on his chin. And he leaves it there. For a long time. So funnay!

I started thinking of Franco as "Jism Jim" just to give myself a substitute joke to laugh at. Point is, the movie is filled with these "Oh, He Did Not Do That" moments. Shock isn't that funny, though. Funny is funny.

Anyway. Franco wrote an article for the Washington Post today, McDonald’s was there for me when no one else was. It's about his experience as a fast-food employee and the value of McDonald's as an employer.

McDonald’s sales have slumped. Maybe the public wants healthier food. Maybe there’s too much competition. Maybe people aren’t into the chipotle barbecue snack wrap. McDonald’s leaders have vowed to reverse the downturn by recommitting to “hot, fresh food,” by selling off certain outlets to independent owners — which would reduce the number of corporate-covered employees with a newly raised minimum wage — and by cutting $300 million in costs. How this cost cut will affect jobs remains unclear.
But I want the strategy to work. All I know is that when I needed McDonald’s, McDonald’s was there for me. When no one else was.
. . .
Someone asked me if I was too good to work at McDonald’s. Because I was following my acting dream despite all the pressure not to, I was definitely not too good to work at McDonald’s. I went to the nearest Mickey D’s and was hired the same day.
. . .
I was treated fairly well at McDonald’s. If anything, they cut me slack. And, just like their food, the job was more available there than anywhere else. When I was hungry for work, they fed the need.

Everyone go eat at McDonald's twice today. It's great food at a cheap price.

This is a great article. It brings Ashton Kutcher's Teen Choice Awards speech to mind. This kind of thing encourages young people not to think of fast food and other types of hard work as beneath them. It teaches them to ignore that touch of social stigma. Fast food is a great place to start. It's good, honorable work. It's a great place to learn how to be a good employee and how to interact with customers--to learn how to keep them happy. It's a great place to begin learning what it takes to be a professional.

So James Franco can gross me out in every movie now. I'll buy a ticket.

#TacoBuenoVeteran

Posted by: rdbrewer at 05:40 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 I worked at Wendy's in college for cash and chow. Helped make ends meet so very well.

Posted by: Dead Voters Society at May 08, 2015 05:41 PM (uxk6g)

2 Cleaning off the sock and maybe, just maybe, being first.

But probably not.

Posted by: J. Random Dude at May 08, 2015 05:42 PM (8OfdL)

3 I have never liked the McDonald's here. These fast food places are highly depndent on who their manager is. The one in Dublin, GA though is great.

For example the KYC in Castro Valley was great while the one here was so bad the health department shut it down.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 08, 2015 05:43 PM (wlDny)

4 Worked as a newspaper boy, dishwasher, bank teller, supermarket cashier and stock boy on the way to college grad. Learned a lot along the way. Never felt it was beneath me. But then again, I was born when Eisenhower was president, so that's like, ancient times.

Posted by: GuyfromNH at May 08, 2015 05:43 PM (Kj8c4)

5 "This Is The End" was an interesting take on the Revelation. The grossouts were a bit much but there was actual thought behind the story.

I also give credit to him for "The Interview", for which he risked his life (and might actually get killed for, one day).

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at May 08, 2015 05:44 PM (v2IHZ)

6 "Cleaning off the sock" is something Rogen seems to know a lot about...

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at May 08, 2015 05:45 PM (v2IHZ)

7 The source of anger at McDonalds is because they aren't unionized. Same as with WalMart.

If the Left gets their cut, and a lot of new slaves for the cause, they'll suddenly love them both.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 05:46 PM (oVJmc)

8 Never worked fast food. Started day trading when I was 4. I make more money than all food joints combined. My house is so fucking Big you can see it from fucking space.

Posted by: Mr mu mu at May 08, 2015 05:47 PM (KFdZd)

9 I ran the second-busiest Village Inn pizza parlor in the country when I was in my teens. It was a good experience and I rose through the ranks rather quickly.

I recommend it highly. Not today, of course, but for a young'un, it can be a lot of fun.

I specialized in "training" our waitrii.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 05:49 PM (0HooB)

10
H8-ing on McDonnalds is orthorexia straight up!

f*ckin orthorexics,

Posted by: Yo! at May 08, 2015 05:49 PM (q+zA9)

11 Both my kids have worked fast food jobs. Son worked at a Panera and grew to hate it, mostly because there were so many slackers there who seemingly could not be fired unless they were literally caught stealing money from the register. But he learned a TON and has no regrets at all. Daughter is working now at a Chipotle, has a bunch of friends who work at McDonald's. Both of them are managed by people who started out as entry level cooks. These companies offer a lot of opportunity for those who want it.

Posted by: rockmom at May 08, 2015 05:50 PM (vE1mx)

12 I love me some Bueno.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 05:50 PM (LA7Cm)

13 To be fair to This is the End, the bit where Mcbride is in the house is definitely the worst part.

Posted by: Kenway at May 08, 2015 05:51 PM (FzsaU)

14 Never, ever heard of James Franco.

Posted by: maddogg at May 08, 2015 05:51 PM (xWW96)

15 Good story from Franco, and McDonald's days are numbered.

They're missing the biggest reason why they are losing customers; their low cost fare is not attractive in the face of a 1000 other choices the customer has.

No amount of novelty food is going to change that either.

It's important to note that McDonald's is more a logistics company than a restaurant chain, and their product isn't hamburgers and fries but consistency. Any changes they make will have to be grounded in that framework.

That said they really need to make a better fucking hamburger. I bet none that sit on the board have eaten one in 20 years. It's a terrible, terrible excuse for food.

They need to pare down the menu, improve each item, and *then* figure out how to get the logistics firm to deliver consistently.

Take the hamburger; Start fresh, seal them in a nitro pack, and deliver according to a JIT schedule. Do something about the crappy bun. It smells bad.

Oh, and that damned green vinyl gel puck they call a pickle - Holy cucumber, Batman, eject, eject, eject!

Go back to lard for the fries as well, you homos.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 08, 2015 05:51 PM (K7krX)

16 I'd rather eat whatever was on Franco's chin.

Posted by: Barney Frank at May 08, 2015 05:52 PM (xkSSa)

17 Never, ever heard of James Franco.

He's still dead.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 05:53 PM (oVJmc)

18 "That said they really need to make a better fucking hamburger."

They can make a good hamburger. A few years ago they had some kind of Angus burger that was among some of the better I'd eaten at a restaurant.

Don't know if it's still on the menu. Don't eat a lot McD's.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 05:53 PM (LA7Cm)

19 Can we please go back to talking about boobs?

Posted by: Weasel at May 08, 2015 05:53 PM (e3bId)

20 I don't think I've ever seen James Franco in any movie. I did see him as George in "Of Mice And Men". I enjoyed his performance.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 08, 2015 05:54 PM (1sJza)

21 I had all kinds of menial jobs as a teen and it never even crossed my mind that I was too good to do them. But I preferred working gas stations and grocery stores; fast food sucked imho as a workplace.

The kids allowances got cut off at age 15; the age at which they could legally work for places such as McDs. Both of them worked there btw.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 08, 2015 05:54 PM (gfdW1)

22 McDs was toast when they removed beef tallow from the fryer. Fries used to be great. Now they're greasy, tasteless pieces of crap.

Got news for ya McDs, the food nazis that pressured you to use only veg oil aren't visiting your stores. Ever.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 08, 2015 05:55 PM (KFdZd)

23 Lard on the fries, and meat that wasn't shoe leather marinated in a puddle, would both be improvements.

I liked their Angus Burgers, esp. the one with habanero and bacon.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at May 08, 2015 05:55 PM (v2IHZ)

24 Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 08, 2015 05:51 PM (K7krX)

----

I don't know. I think there burger is pretty good. I mean it costs $1. You can get a full meal at McD for $4.

That's pretty amazing. Frankly, I'm not sure how they make money with such low prices.

But I think they would benefit from a simplified menu.

Posted by: SH at May 08, 2015 05:55 PM (gmeXX)

25 Go back to lard for the fries as well, you homos.

Seconded.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 05:56 PM (0HooB)

26 I worked at McDonalds.

For two weeks.

Was fired at the drive-thru.

True story.

Posted by: Golfman at May 08, 2015 05:56 PM (48QDY)

27 ***"This kind of thing encourages young people not to think of fast food
and other types of hard work as beneath them. It teaches them to ignore
that touch of social stigma."***

I always thought the stigma was for the people who chose it as a career or sole means of family support. "If you don't do better in school, you'll end up flipping burgers for the rest of your life."

Sort of like these sub-intelligent protesters who go around clamoring for minimum wage to be raised to $15 because they ain't got no 401k or can't pay da rent.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at May 08, 2015 05:57 PM (xSCb6)

28 Its no longer cheap.

Posted by: Bruce J at May 08, 2015 05:57 PM (iQIUe)

29 Robots.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 05:57 PM (oVJmc)

30 McDonald's tried to be all things to all people. Look at the simple menu of 5 Guys or In 'n Out - that's how McDonald's started out. Other brands have established themselves using the old Kroc formula. There's no going back.

Posted by: Afroman at May 08, 2015 05:58 PM (7agR+)

31 I will say this - McD shakes are awful. Either they have gotten worse, or they were always awful, but I didn't know any better as a kid.

Posted by: SH at May 08, 2015 05:59 PM (gmeXX)

32 Just don't jizz on my burger, Franco.

Posted by: Sphynx at May 08, 2015 05:59 PM (OZmbA)

33 27 Sort of like these sub-intelligent protesters who go
around clamoring for minimum wage to be raised to $15 because they
ain't got no 401k or can't pay da rent.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at May 08, 2015 05:57 PM (xSCb6)

Those "protestors" you see on the news are rent-a-thugs hired by the union.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 08, 2015 05:59 PM (wlDny)

34
Everyone go eat at MacDonald's twice today.

We were hashing this out here recently. I made the claim that by only including African-Americans in their advertisements they were sending an-oh-my-god less then subliminal message that they didn't want 'my kind' to visit them. Then a fellow moron pointed out that the 'hamburglar' (white dude) was being resurrected.

So I'll go to MacDonald's twice today, but pay not once. Compromise.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at May 08, 2015 06:00 PM (xQX/f)

35 >>31
I will say this - McD shakes are awful. Either they have gotten worse,
or they were always awful, but I didn't know any better as a kid.

Posted by: SH<<

Always. Awful.

Posted by: Sphynx at May 08, 2015 06:00 PM (OZmbA)

36
I suspect that you can tell the *good* fast food places from the bad by sitting in the dining area for an hour during the meal rushes. If you never see the manager, the restaurant is gonna suck.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 08, 2015 06:01 PM (ynQIy)

37 Looking at a menu locally online..........32 different burgers, sammiches, and, wraps.

May be a tad busy.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:01 PM (LA7Cm)

38 Whataburger >all the rest.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 08, 2015 06:02 PM (KFdZd)

39 I stopped going to McDonald's when they caved to the left on supporting ALEC in 2012. Plus, Eric Holder's brother owns the one down the street from me.

Posted by: Demonica at May 08, 2015 06:02 PM (ZxVJD)

40 Most people don't go to burger joints for healthy options and gender non-specific Happy Meal toys and sustainable sourcing practices. The asshole SJWs who hector McDonalds about that shit would never be seen there anyway.

McDonalds should take a lesson from In n Out Burger and make a small number of items that they do really well, like it used to do. It would help a lot if they understood who actually buys burgers.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 08, 2015 06:03 PM (8ZskC)

41 The best burger in town is always a local joint that knows how to cook them, without the soggy bun and wilted lettuce. And ketchup. Who puts ketchup on a burger? I've heard it's a yankee thing. Anyway, the best burger is never a chain restaurant.

Posted by: Sphynx at May 08, 2015 06:04 PM (OZmbA)

42 Looking at a menu locally online..........32 different burgers, sammiches, and, wraps.

Yeah, but they 'assemble' to order. There's a lot of common components that get assembled to make different meals.

I do wonder if the 'assembly' strategy has changed the quality of the food. IIRC, that's a recent change in strategy.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 06:04 PM (oVJmc)

43 You know what fast food job has Big Stigma -- Hot Dog On A Stick.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 08, 2015 06:04 PM (8ZskC)

44 ***"Got news for ya McDs, the food nazis that pressured you to use only veg oil aren't visiting your stores. Ever."***

This x100

I used to order their burgers only as an excuse to get the biggest sized fries they offered. Now, I don't even think about 'em.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at May 08, 2015 06:04 PM (xSCb6)

45 "Whataburger >all the rest. "

Not to get into a fast food fight, but, W'burger does today what McD's use to do. A reasonable assortment of menu items all done well and consistently anywhere you go. Occasional seasonal or promo items.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:04 PM (LA7Cm)

46 3 I have never liked the McDonald's here. These fast food places are highly depndent on who their manager is. The one in Dublin, GA though is great.

For example the KYC in Castro Valley was great while the one here was so bad the health department shut it down.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 08, 2015 05:43 PM (wlDny)

And that's a damned shame. the one thing The Scotsman was good at )they spent nearly ALL of their effort on this) was having a consistent customer experience no matter what restaurant you went to. Everything was broken down to least common denominator and timed to a fare-thee-well.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 06:05 PM (Edob3)

47 Anyway, the best burger is never a chain restaurant.

-----

No one is going to McD's to get the best burger. I go because it is fast and cheap and I know what I am going to get. Last night I needed some food to tie me over. $1.50 for a burger - what a country.

Posted by: SH at May 08, 2015 06:05 PM (gmeXX)

48 McDonald's shakes have always been crap. If you look at the label on the board you will not see the term "milk" on there anywhere. We used to call them chemshakes.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 08, 2015 06:06 PM (wlDny)

49 Weft, come out and say what you mean. I hate when you're vague like that. /

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at May 08, 2015 06:06 PM (1JqUE)

50 McDonald's shakes have always been crap. If you look at the label on the board you will not see the term "milk" on there anywhere. We used to call them chemshakes.

-----

I loved them as a kid. Then a few months ago, I was craving a shake and ordered one from McD. It was awful.

Posted by: SH at May 08, 2015 06:07 PM (gmeXX)

51 In before the "special sauce" jokes.

Posted by: Y-not at May 08, 2015 06:07 PM (9BRsg)

52 ***"Those "protestors" you see on the news are rent-a-thugs hired by the union."***

Of course they are. That still doesn't negate the stupidity of their demands.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at May 08, 2015 06:07 PM (xSCb6)

53 Wanted McD's, now wants Whataburger. Arteries shiver in fear.

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at May 08, 2015 06:08 PM (1JqUE)

54 Well, you could work at McDonalds and serve things like McRibs, but should you? You might incite a riot because they're offensive.

It's a free country and all, so work where you want - even McDonalds. But Jesus wouldn't.

Posted by: Bill O'Really at May 08, 2015 06:08 PM (1CroS)

55 I believe one of their VPs was active in opposing Prop 8. I stopped going after that.

Posted by: Barney Frank at May 08, 2015 06:08 PM (xkSSa)

56 Local one is good.

Funniest thing:

There are now two lines for ordering because it gets so busy. Then you have to merge into one line to pay and pick up.

Time after time, there are two cars waiting in the first line and no one in the second. So I go to the second because I'm nice and all, but not that nice. And I order food for 4 or 5 ppl which usually takes longer than whatever the first line ppl were getting. Oh well...

Posted by: Mama AJ at May 08, 2015 06:08 PM (0xTsz)

57 Franco was great in Spring Breakers. It also had hot chicks not wearing very much. Moron Worthy Film

Posted by: Zakn at May 08, 2015 06:09 PM (BtZep)

58 My brother is such a sexist pig goofball. Seth is a bad influence on him. I need to stage an intervention.

Posted by: Ani Di Franco at May 08, 2015 06:09 PM (xkSSa)

59 Drudge sez NFL will suspend Brady; announcement due next week.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 08, 2015 06:09 PM (gfdW1)

60 You want Whataburger.
You'll settle for Micky D's.
You'll get a Moochelle school lunch.

Posted by: Prince Ludwig the Indestructible at May 08, 2015 06:10 PM (5dHYY)

61 I loved them as a kid. Then a few months ago, I was craving a shake and ordered one from McD. It was awful.

Nothing compares to a Jamocha shake from Arby's. Or at least, it didn't used to. Haven't had one in a long time.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 06:10 PM (0HooB)

62
Prince Ludwig the Indestructible
TKAW smiles...flips safety off 1911...

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at May 08, 2015 06:11 PM (1JqUE)

63 22 McDs was toast when they removed beef tallow from the fryer. Fries used to be great. Now they're greasy, tasteless pieces of crap.

Got news for ya McDs, the food nazis that pressured you to use only veg oil aren't visiting your stores. Ever.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 08, 2015 05:55 PM (KFdZd)

Seriously, fcuk CSPI - they drove tallow out in favor of...ta da...partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, aka transfats. And now THAT is their current crusade. If I wasn't so cynical that I'm sure it was a job-security ploy I would serioulsy wonder about their sanity.

Oh yeah, bring back coconut oil for movie popcorn, too.

Jackasses.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 06:11 PM (Edob3)

64 A Hardee's saved my po ass when I moved back to OK. Was hired for the breakfast shift. Learned to cook eggs fast food style. Got to be quite good at it. Oh, and btw, I was 30 years old.

Swallow your pride and take the fast-food job if nothing else is available.

Posted by: Soona at May 08, 2015 06:11 PM (/HX7u)

65 "25
Go back to lard for the fries as well, you homos.

Seconded.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 05:56 PM (0HooB)"

I don't think they ever used lard. They used to cook their fries in beef tallow and they were delicious.

The story I heard was that some Hindu guy ate the fries regularly (because they were delicious) until he found that they were cooked in beef tallow and then he sued them. My personal thought is that McDonald's should have put a sign on the doors of every McDonalds saying "Vegetarians: There is nothing for you here. Everything is made with meat." Then they need to find a way to put meat into the drinks.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (KDbAT)

66 McDonalds started going downhill about the time they switched recipes for the HOT Apple Pies. They used to be lava-filled deliciousness wrapped in cardiac-inducing crust.

Then the food-Nazis started going after them.

They've been kowtowing to outside agitation ever since on the menu front.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (1CroS)

67 It's even more than that. Never worked at McD's, but I can only assume the lessons to be learned about how to setup and do things at the absolute peak of efficiency has got to be present around every corner. There can be no doubt that they're rung every cent of cost out of every aspect of their operation in order to minimize cost and maximize revenue.

It's dubious that kids 16-20 would even recognize that when staring it right in the face, but if you were trying to find a way into the business world, I doubt you could find a better place than McD's. Plus, as I've told my daughter dozens of times, your career path does not have to start with a degree and some pseudo white collar job. There is nothing stopping you from being a smart kid starting as a fry cook at McD's and working your way up their corporate ladder from the inside, picking up a degree along the way when it becomes worthwhile.

Posted by: deadrody at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (YYzNC)

68
There are now two lines for ordering because it gets so busy. Then you have to merge into one line to pay and pick up.

Actually, that's just to prevent one gibbering idiot that wants 100 things custom ordered (or who has never seen the menu before) from grinding the whole thing to an absolute halt.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (oVJmc)

69 I couldn't figure out Spring Breakers. Was it straight up exploitation, or a condemnation, of the modern drugged-out Gomorrah that is spring break?

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (v2IHZ)

70 No one is going to McD's to get the best burger. I go because it is fast and cheap and I know what I am going to get. Last night I needed some food to tie me over. $1.50 for a burger - what a country.

^^^^

This is true. We took our annual trip to the Magic Kingdom last week (we live in FL, so this is feasible) and skipped eating dinner there because holy shit is it expensive. Swung through the McD's on the way home instead because we could feed the whole family under $20 at whatever hour.

That being said, the best fast food places locally are Krystal and Steak N Shake. Although the fast part is arguable for the latter establishment. They have great shakes, though.

Posted by: Mandy P., lurking lurker who lurks at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (KkVB6)

71 When I was a scrawny 98 pound weakling, I loved McDonalds. Now many decades later and thirty pounds overweight, I can't eat a hamburger. It will screw up my blood sugar, except under very specific conditions. The chicken nuggets on the other hand, are perfectly good enough.

That fifteen dollar an hour minimum wage is going to screw up the economy, and really screw over poor people and seniors on social security. And Obama's health care scam still hasn't fully taken effect yet, either.

Posted by: Opie Smalls at May 08, 2015 06:13 PM (mrnfO)

72 Hardees is the best fast food place here. The best fried chicken is at a place called Yogi Bear (fast food).

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 08, 2015 06:13 PM (wlDny)

73 Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (KDbAT)

CSPI got in the act, too. It was right around the same time they went after chinese food and movie popcorn. ~20 years ago or so.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 06:15 PM (Edob3)

74 Sonic has an awesome breakfast burrito. Just sayin.

The answer is as many said, McDonald's needs to simplify and get back to quality.

Posted by: commentorior at May 08, 2015 06:15 PM (ODxAs)

75 How funny is it that WaPo instantly had a response ready for Franco's little personal story. Can you imagine how absolutely miserable these people are? At some point we have to just feel bad for them... Maybe??

Posted by: Titleist at May 08, 2015 06:16 PM (iEg9A)

76 The story I heard was that some Hindu guy ate the fries regularly (because they were delicious) until he found that they were cooked in beef tallow and then he sued them.

Still, lard would be good.

I'da loved to have been the judge on that case.

*glares at lawyer*
"If you ever bring such a stupid case before me again, I'll throw you in jail while I file to have you disbarred.

*glares at plaintiff*
And as for you, if you don't know what you're eating, too bad for you. Never darken my court again with your bullshit."

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 06:16 PM (0HooB)

77 I see this all the time in fast food places, and other stores. With few exceptions, the staff seems to think they are there to earn some cash and the customers are annoyances to keep them from having a good day.

I feel certain this was a major factor in the fall of Circuit City--the staff in every store I walked into was terrible.

Posted by: Null at May 08, 2015 06:16 PM (xjpRj)

78 Oh great. A tree-snappin' storm heading my way. Guess my chainsaw is going to get a workout.

Posted by: Soona at May 08, 2015 06:17 PM (/HX7u)

79 The only fast food I eat is pizza, which I don't really count as fast food and Taco Bell cantina bowls which is mostly lettuce and guacamole which is pretty hard to screw up.

The worst has got to be Wendy's.

The use to have taco salads that were awesome so of course they got rid of them.

I can make better food far cheaper at home.

Posted by: Kreplach at May 08, 2015 06:17 PM (dvoaF)

80 I thought it was healthy beef. It gave me a heart attack.

Posted by: Caeser Barber at May 08, 2015 06:18 PM (xkSSa)

81 >>>So James Franco can gross me out in every movie now. I'll buy a ticket.

Oh admit it! You like watching them do horrid things to magazines.

Posted by: Caeser Barber at May 08, 2015 06:19 PM (xkSSa)

82 Ah. A sonic strawberry malt. The best. *one spoonful at a time to savor it*

Posted by: Soona at May 08, 2015 06:20 PM (/HX7u)

83 I never worked at McDonalds's. But I worked at a donut shop, 2 coffee shops (actual coffee shops, not SBUX or similar hipster central bullshit), a hole in the wall restaurant and 2 bars in high school and college. I served food, washed dishes, swept and mopped floors, took out the garbage, stocked shelves. And I'll be grateful to all those businesses for giving me a job when I needed one.

Kudos to Franco.

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at May 08, 2015 06:21 PM (0LHZx)

84 QSC

Posted by: other stuff Jesus said at May 08, 2015 06:22 PM (n5fTN)

85
McDonalds?
"Oh it's such a pleasure to see you Mr. President. Thank you for taking time out of your day. Ohhh, gracious God thank you so much! UAGGGGAA!"
Not if Jose is making my burger.

Posted by: wth at May 08, 2015 06:22 PM (wAQA5)

86 77 I see this all the time in fast food places, and other stores. With few exceptions, the staff seems to think they are there to earn some cash and the customers are annoyances to keep them from having a good day.

I feel certain this was a major factor in the fall of Circuit City--the staff in every store I walked into was terrible.
Posted by: Null at May 08, 2015 06:16 PM (xjpRj)

That was a deliberate decision on CC's part. They used to have a good sales force, but abandoned that in search of short term profitability.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 06:23 PM (Edob3)

87 "that's just to prevent one gibbering idiot that wants 100 things "

Heh. Don't you hate it when you pull in right behind someone who seems to have no idea how to order fast food. They study the board like they have no idea how that works and then when they finally make a grueling decision it takes 5 minutes for them to communicate what they want to the person behind the speaker. Pull around. They get one small bag handed to them and a drink and, then, the small bag gets handed back to the guy at the window. Not enough catchup, too many napkins, something.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:24 PM (LA7Cm)

88 I will say this - McD shakes are awful. Either they have gotten worse, or they were always awful, but I didn't know any better as a kid.
Posted by: SH at May 08, 2015 05:59 PM (gmeXX)

Try them again, I know exactly what you mean but they got better. The chocolate shakes are really good. Different taste, texture, everything.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:24 PM (KbNXw)

89 I remember some friends and I stole Mayor McCheese from a local McDonalds and hung it in effigy at a local high school. It's head was so big we couldn't close the car door.

Posted by: Dr Spank at May 08, 2015 06:26 PM (i55o+)

90 Taco Bueno rules.

Posted by: YourMomKeepsTexting at May 08, 2015 06:28 PM (3870s)

91 worked there in high school. a friend I met working there was in his early twenties was a burger flipper and took it seriously. he's a millionaire multi franchise owner now.

Posted by: other stuff Jesus said at May 08, 2015 06:28 PM (n5fTN)

92 "White Appreciation Day" is trending on Twitter.

Posted by: The Political Hat (@ThePoliticalHat) at May 08, 2015 06:28 PM (7YlUk)

93 Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:24 PM (LA7Cm)

One time, when working the register at Burger King (I did McDs, too), we had a large party come in, and every sandwich was a complex custom order (with this, without that, cut in half, extra the other, have it your way!). The order with modifications was so huge, it crashed the register. We had to split the ticket, and get this, they got pissed about that - they insisted on a single order. A whole extended family of assholes.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 06:29 PM (Edob3)

94 OK culinarianistas, I gotta get ready for a gig.

Y'all have fun and try not to trash the place, 'k?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 08, 2015 06:29 PM (0HooB)

95 "That being said, the best fast food places locally
are Krystal and Steak N Shake. Although the fast part is arguable for
the latter establishment. They have great shakes, though.

Posted by: Mandy P., lurking lurker who lurks at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (KkVB6)"

Don't get the shakes at Steak N Shake. Get the malts. Malts are at least an order of magnitude better on the deliciousness scale.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:29 PM (KDbAT)

96 There's a tiny joint in Hawthorne, NJ called Hot Diggity Grill, just a few minutes from my house, that makes the best fast-food burger I have ever had. It is awesome.

They have this weird business plan: Use fresh ground beef, good quality toppings, cook it perfectly and get it to the customer quickly. You cannot it the burger immediately because it is too hot.

Strange, Huh?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 08, 2015 06:29 PM (Zu3d9)

97
Sick of the UK media acting like the election was the end times. Hello! The majority of people voted for the Tories. They want them to govern. They dont' want the left. Accept it.

Posted by: Bruce J at May 08, 2015 06:30 PM (iQIUe)

98 96 And the waitresses all have big jugs?

Posted by: steevy at May 08, 2015 06:32 PM (mGBKM)

99 They need to pare down the menu, improve each item, and *then* figure out how to get the logistics firm to deliver consistently.

Make it look like the f'n ads on tv.

Posted by: rickb223 Straight, Conservative Clinger at May 08, 2015 06:32 PM (+zma3)

100 I worked at McD's part time when I was a young sailor making extra cash. I was screwing the store assistant managers girlfriend and he found out. Anyway I had come to work slightly FKd up after being out all night and it was .49 big mack day. All the local companies ordered them 25-50 at a time. I was on a 48 turn, (those that worked there will know what that is) on the grill when the asshole Ass. Manager yelled at me because I missed a no sauce grill slip. He took two buns and flipped them up at me. One hit me in the face and the other on my apron. Sauce side of course. I cracked, grabbed him by the tie, drug him over the dress dress table and tried to push his face onto the grill. He started screaming like a little girl and that freaked everyone out in the lobby. The shift manager, a football player from UCSD picked me up and said, "Um OSP, we dn't push our assistant managers face into the grill. Then I was fired. That's my McDonalds story/

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:33 PM (KbNXw)

101 "McDonald's sales have slumped. Maybe the public wants healthier food. Maybe there's too much competition. Maybe people aren't into the chipotle barbecue snack wrap."

McDonalds was always low on my list of fast food preferences, but I would still stop in there if they were convenient to my day's errands.

I quit going there after their new top management decided to rebrand themselves as the preferred fast food of "urban youth", and put on a massive ad campaign targeted to that same audience, using hip-hop imagery and music.

I noticed the resulting change in the demographics, and I want no part of being around "urban youth", having had a long list of extreme unpleasantries visited upon myself and others in the past. I bailed on McD's, stat.

Two young white guys down in Texas didn't get the memo. They went with their dates into a McDonalds there for a late night burger, and the two guys in question were brutally beaten in the parking lot by a screaming mob of "urban youth", in front of the eyes of their horrified dates.

I'm not "lovin' it". Not going back ever again, thanks. Too many other alternatives to MCD available in the marketplace. Alternatives who market to, and attract, a better class of customers.

Posted by: torquewrench at May 08, 2015 06:34 PM (noWW6)

102 Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at May 08, 2015 06:12 PM (1CroS)

Remember how fcuking hot those pies were?

They would take 20 minutes to cool down enough to eat.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 08, 2015 06:34 PM (Zu3d9)

103 That is quite the McDonalds' story, OSP.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:36 PM (LA7Cm)

104
Sonic has new Lil' Doggies,mini hot dogs in varieties: Original, Chili Cheese, and Baja Jalapeno Chili.
Snackable. So what you do is take a date there and tell her they are 6".

Posted by: wth at May 08, 2015 06:36 PM (wAQA5)

105 If you haven't seen The Interview yet, stop what you're doing and go watch it, its great.

Posted by: disgusting oratory at May 08, 2015 06:37 PM (WhfU/)

106 "97

Sick of the UK media acting like the election was the end times.
Hello! The majority of people voted for the Tories. They want them to
govern. They dont' want the left. Accept it.

Posted by: Bruce J at May 08, 2015 06:30 PM (iQIUe)"

One of the entertaining things watching Sky News today was the Tony Blair Labour guys who were squeezed out quietly saying that Labour can win elections if they run from the center left but that they will lose if they run from the hard left. The hard left guys get apoplectic when they hear that.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:37 PM (KDbAT)

107 I worked at a Gino's at Fairfax Circle, Va. They had the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise way back when. It was damned hard, and dangerous work for $1.50/hr. Those pressure cookers where more than a match for my teenage upper body strength.

BTW, any word on whether WZ is having more than routine tech issues?

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at May 08, 2015 06:37 PM (l3vZN)

108 And the Washington Compost felt the need to have an opposition piece written and a link put in the middle of his essay:

"Why James Franco is wrong about McDonalds"

WaPo editors and writers are assholes.

Posted by: meekle at May 08, 2015 06:37 PM (94iKh)

109 I've always liked Franco although I've only seen a couple of his films.
Smart guy.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 08, 2015 06:38 PM (ovpZu)

110 That is quite the McDonalds' story, OSP.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 06:36 PM (LA7Cm)

It was that or the time I pegged the black kid in the head with a McNugget for giving that same girl a hard time at the cash register.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:38 PM (KbNXw)

111 Love McD's, have eaten a million Big Macs. My fave McD story is from college when they ran NFL trivia game with free Big Mac/QtrPdr as prize for correct scratch card answer. ONE clueless night shift worker at ONE store didn't realize you DON'T include another game card with the prize sandwich. We milked that guy for Perpetual Big Macs for weeks 'til his manager tumbled to his mistake.

Posted by: goatexchange at May 08, 2015 06:38 PM (uBTYu)

112 "The story I heard was that some Hindu guy ate the fries regularly (because they were delicious) until he found that they were cooked in beef tallow and then he sued them."

(cough) Center For Science In The Public Interest (cough)

You will never find a more wretched hive of scum, villainy, and left-wing food fascism.

Posted by: torquewrench at May 08, 2015 06:38 PM (noWW6)

113 OSP, how do you prefer your assistant managers?

Medium well?

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (gfdW1)

114 Franco played the part of US Army Ranger Captain Robert Prince in The Great Raid.

Posted by: Rex B at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (igEaG)

115 Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, 2 Hash Browns, Med. Coffee - Black.

Posted by: Chris M at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (k3w9p)

116 I just think that when a nation wide chain uses nothing but African American actors in their advertising, that is who they want as customers. So I blow past McDonalds, but I would have stopped. I'm a nutritional nut case, but sometimes all I want Is a full stomach.

Subway, all over the place in my crosscountry travels, does it fast, does it delicious, and does it cheaply. In and out In less then 20 minutes, back on the interstate, satiated.

Posted by: se pa moron at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (xQX/f)

117 OSP, how do you prefer your assistant managers?

Medium well?
Posted by: GnuBreed at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (gfdW1)

I was batshit crazy back then. I did not not GAF.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (KbNXw)

118 McDonald's can FOAD in a fiery plane crash. Their turnaround strategy is to make the company a "modern, progressive burger chain." And the new CEO doesn't mean "innovative" when he said "progressive." Unlike the SJWs, I'm not going to picket the local McDs, I just won't buy anything from them.

Posted by: skh.pcola at May 08, 2015 06:41 PM (qfLzS)

119 Everyone go eat at MacDonald's twice today. It's great food at a cheap price.

Disagree. I used to eat at McDonald's fairly regularly, but their food got more and more expensive and now just isn't worth it. Soggy bread, stale condiments and beef patties that seem like they were boiled not fried. Plus recently, they couldn't get my order right to save their lives, and that's when I finally wrote them off. Maybe hiring actors like James Franco is the reason why.

For a similar price I can get a Whopper or a Jumbo Jack, both of which are better than anything McDonald's offers. And for a slight premium in price I can get burgers that are far superior, from places like Carl's Jr. and Five Guys.

Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:41 PM (1EJIj)

120 Whatever you do, don't read the comments attached to that article. So much hate when the guy is just trying to make a point that hard work shouldn't be beneath you. But instead, its rage at the nutrition of the food or "living wage because mcdonalds makes a profit". My favorite part is the rebuttal article written by an obvious social justice nitwit, where she acknowledges that McDonald's might be fine for teenagers and college students but the vast majority of people working at McDonald's over the age of 25 and should be paid more bc its their "career" wow completely missing the point that if you're flipping burgers as a career, you're doing it wrong and that's not anyone else's fault but the flipper.

Posted by: Matt in Tampa at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (aDpzg)

121 Subway, all over the place in my crosscountry travels, does it fast, does it delicious, and does it cheaply. In and out In less then 20 minutes, back on the interstate, satiated.
Posted by: se pa moron at May 08, 2015 06:40 PM (xQX/f)

There is a chain called Cousins subs in WI. I wish that would go national.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (KbNXw)

122 I shed a tear. Ace got me all choked up.

Posted by: Percy Gryce at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (mAm+G)

123 How many SJWs does it take to screw in a light bulb?

One, then she charges you with rape three months later.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (o+SC1)

124 And the waitresses all have big jugs?

Posted by: steevy at May 08, 2015 06:32 PM (mGBKM)

Waitresses? Hah!

The chick at the register has a nice ass, but a face that has seen better days.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (Zu3d9)

125 Five guys is the best. But I like McDowels too.

Posted by: disgusting oratory at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (WhfU/)

126 I had Culvers today. Aint nothing like a butter Burger. Just don't be countin calories or you'll need a calculator.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:43 PM (KbNXw)

127 I'll take the service from the average minimum-wage teenage fast food employee over the service from the vast majority of other people I ever have to deal with, and over virtually every phone customer service rep. on the planet.

Posted by: Michael at May 08, 2015 06:44 PM (KClXw)

128 Five guys is the best. But I like McDowels too.
Posted by: disgusting oratory at May 08, 2015 06:42 PM (WhfU/)

"Right now I'm washing lettuce. Then fries then assistant manager. And that's when the BIG BUCKS start rolling in"

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:45 PM (KbNXw)

129 107
Jinx,
WZ is upgrading the servers, Jinx. Read it earlier today.
Good to "see" you, btw.

Posted by: chi's sandwIch (previously shredded chi) at May 08, 2015 06:45 PM (ZjzCZ)

130 I worked at a Gino's at Fairfax Circle, Va. They had the Kentucky
Fried Chicken franchise way back when. It was damned hard, and
dangerous work for $1.50/hr. Those pressure cookers where more than a
match for my teenage upper body strength.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at May 08, 2015 06:37 PM (l3vZN)

Whaddya know? I worked at one at Capital Plaza, MD while in HS. I was the only white guy in the place exceptin the manager. It took decades before I could eat fried chicken again and now it's either Popeye's or Church's. I shudder when passing a KFC.

Posted by: Count de Monet at May 08, 2015 06:46 PM (JO9+V)

131 Not that I think fast food jobs beneath me but it definitely was my last choice on a long list of shitty jobs choices. Food services is something I've always had an aversion to. I made up for it by stuffing my face at fast food joints for many years.

On that note, Taco Bell needs to bring back the Bell Burger!

Posted by: Cruzinator at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (mt2jL)

132 I don't like any of the fast food joints, HOWEVER, when I am hungry, in a rush, frustrated or something ( or just fuckin mad as hell and can't take it anymore) shoving some relatively clean tasty food down my gullet ain't so bad and I don't even need good manners. And that's good.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (/tNwW)

133 The shift manager, a football player from UCSD picked me up and said, "Um OSP, we dn't push our assistant managers face into the grill. Then I was fired. That's my McDonalds story/
Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:33 PM (KbNXw)

Um, I went to UCSD, and it never had a football team. Pretty tough chess club, however.

Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (1EJIj)

134 "101
"McDonald's sales have slumped. Maybe the public wants healthier food.
Maybe there's too much competition. Maybe people aren't into the
chipotle barbecue snack wrap."

McDonalds was always low on my list of fast food preferences, but I
would still stop in there if they were convenient to my day's errands.

I quit going there after their new top management decided to rebrand
themselves as the preferred fast food of "urban youth", and put on a
massive ad campaign targeted to that same audience, using hip-hop
imagery and music.

I noticed the resulting change in the demographics, and I want no
part of being around "urban youth", having had a long list of extreme
unpleasantries visited upon myself and others in the past. I bailed on
McD's, stat.

Two young white guys down in Texas didn't get the memo. They went
with their dates into a McDonalds there for a late night burger, and the
two guys in question were brutally beaten in the parking lot by a
screaming mob of "urban youth", in front of the eyes of their horrified
dates.

I'm not "lovin' it". Not going back ever again, thanks. Too many
other alternatives to MCD available in the marketplace. Alternatives who
market to, and attract, a better class of customers.

Posted by: torquewrench at May 08, 2015 06:34 PM (noWW6)"

A classic demonstration of section 10 of John Derbyshire's "The Talk".

http://tinyurl.com/ojuoael

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (KDbAT)

135 But instead, its rage at the nutrition of the food or "living wage
because mcdonalds makes a profit". My favorite part is the rebuttal
article written by an obvious social justice nitwit, where she
acknowledges that McDonald's might be fine for teenagers and college
students but the vast majority of people working at McDonald's over the
age of 25 and should be paid more bc its their "career"

Critical Theory in action: All complaint, no workable solution. Leftist bread-and-butter.

It's destroying society. As intended.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 06:48 PM (oVJmc)

136 Whaddya know? I worked at one at Capital Plaza, MD while in HS. I was the only white guy in the place exceptin the manager. It took decades before I could eat fried chicken again and now it's either Popeye's or Church's. I shudder when passing a KFC.
Posted by: Count de Monet at May 08, 2015 06:46 PM (JO9+V)

Popeyes, yum. Me and the misses checked into buying a franchise. You need 500K liquid and another 1mil in assets.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:48 PM (KbNXw)

137 As far as shakes go, I'll take McDonald's over Burger King. At least at McDonald's the shake machine is usually working.

Posted by: Michael at May 08, 2015 06:48 PM (KClXw)

138 Um, I went to UCSD, and it never had a football team. Pretty tough chess club, however.
Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (1EJIj)

Sorry SDSU. It was in LaJolla.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:49 PM (KbNXw)

139 At least at McDonald's the shake machine is usually working.
Posted by: Michael at May 08, 2015 06:48 PM (KClXw)

maybe, but not so much the cappuccino machine from my experience.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:49 PM (/tNwW)

140 That's my McDonalds story/

*Wipes a tear away*

That was beautiful, man.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at May 08, 2015 06:49 PM (YEelc)

141 Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (1EJIj)

He probably means San Diego State, which has a football team and, at least when I was at Cal Berkeley, the most incredibly beautiful cheerleaders on the planet. We would go to the SDSU game just to look at 'em.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 08, 2015 06:51 PM (Zu3d9)

142 Most of the new yob increase in today's labor figures are for legal and illegal new immigrants with low paying - read minimum wage- yobs. Unemployed "normal" Americans are dropping out of the yob force.

Way to go Liberals.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:51 PM (/tNwW)

143
And down in the comments of the WaPo article, real quote:

keo1
McDs has the best coffee at a reasonable price. Another thing you can order French fries without salt and they will do that for your.

JPRS
There is still salt on those fries. However, the salt doesn't come from the shakers, it comes from the tears and sweat of the employees.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at May 08, 2015 06:52 PM (kdS6q)

144 He probably means San Diego State, which has a football team and, at least when I was at Cal Berkeley, the most incredibly beautiful cheerleaders on the planet. We would go to the SDSU game just to look at 'em.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 08, 2015 06:51 PM (Zu3d9)

I did, it was 30 years ago. The McDonalds was the one on Miramar way right across from NAS Miramar.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:52 PM (KbNXw)

145 I knew a lady who owned a lot of McDonalds. She was a saint in every sense of the word. I ate at McDonalds a bunch when I was younger. In fact was on the board for Ronald McDonald House.For me today, McDonalds is a place to go to the bathroom and get coffee. Whataburger is the place to eat. Last WB I know of going east is Ruston. After that, it's vienna sausages and oatmeal Debbies.

Posted by: Eromero at May 08, 2015 06:53 PM (go5uR)

146 Ace, you're making me jealous! I can eat McDonalds too. Don't leave me!

Posted by: Bradley Cooper at May 08, 2015 06:53 PM (cIoI4)

147 Most of the new yob increase in today's labor figures are for legal and illegal new immigrants with low paying - read minimum wage- yobs. Unemployed "normal" Americans are dropping out of the yob force.

Way to go Liberals.
Posted by: Nevergiveup

Why work your fingers to the bone for the man? Just get you some of that sweet SSDI money.
FUNemployment yo!

Posted by: Cloward-Piven at May 08, 2015 06:53 PM (5dHYY)

148 http://tinyurl.com/ojuoael

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (KDbAT)

Kick-ass link. Thank you.
Oh, and Subway rules.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at May 08, 2015 06:53 PM (AC0lD)

149 Do you know why McDonalds fries are so delicious?

Before they are flash frozen the are given a sugar water bath which is also why they are perfectly golden brown.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:54 PM (KbNXw)

150 Sorry SDSU. It was in LaJolla.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:49 PM (KbNXw)

UCSD is in La Jolla. SDSU is the one that is south and inland, and has a football team. In between is USD, and they have Jesuit priests.

Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:54 PM (1EJIj)

151 Chik-fil-A.

Mic drop.

Posted by: rickb223 Straight, Conservative Clinger at May 08, 2015 06:55 PM (+zma3)

152
I grew up in an era that when you went to work, you were expected to do just that--NOT just show up and collect your pay.

Didn't matter what the work was, you humped your butt.

Different environment today, I notice. I've known several people who should have backed up for their check,none lasted more than a few months.

Posted by: irongrampa at May 08, 2015 06:55 PM (jeCnD)

153 The McDonalds was the one on Miramar way right across from NAS Miramar.
Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:52 PM (KbNXw)

Today there is a McDs inside MCAS Miramar, or at least there was when I was there 3 years ago and I was very happy it was. There is one on MCAS Cherrry Point also and I got Coffee there every AM and it was mighty fine. They also have a 5 Guys at Cherry Point and loved their hot dogs and both are right across from the Dental Clinic

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:55 PM (/tNwW)

154 That's my boy!

Posted by: Gen Francisco Franco at May 08, 2015 06:55 PM (3F6F8)

155 Bring back the Spicy McChicken nationwide and Mickey Ds will have my dollars.

Posted by: Captain Ned at May 08, 2015 06:57 PM (WI6nT)

156 Anyone know why Weasel Zippers is down?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:57 PM (/tNwW)

157
Two years at Sam Goody's record store, Kings Plaza in Brooklyn.

Learned exactly how NOT to run a business.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 08, 2015 06:58 PM (St6BJ)

158 Jibe the jobs figures with the GDP figures.

If you can.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 08, 2015 06:58 PM (oVJmc)

159 Anyone know why Weasel Zippers is down?

Server change. Was the excuse given earlier.

Posted by: rickb223 Straight, Conservative Clinger at May 08, 2015 06:58 PM (+zma3)

160 UCSD is in La Jolla. SDSU is the one that is south and inland, and has a football team. In between is USD, and they have Jesuit priests.
Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 06:54 PM (1EJIj)

Well which campus is up the road from university town center. I saw the Psychadelic furs there in 85.?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:59 PM (KbNXw)

161 156 Anyone know why Weasel Zippers is down?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:57 PM (/tNwW)

It loaded but with some warning at the header about "Cloud Flare?"

WTF?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 08, 2015 06:59 PM (St6BJ)

162 Popeye's, Subway, Sonic, and Whataburger. What I consider good fast-food joints.

Posted by: Soona at May 08, 2015 07:00 PM (/HX7u)

163 Can we please go back to talking about boobs?Posted by: Weasel at May 08, 2015 05:53 PM (e3bId)...................................96 And the waitresses all have big jugs?Posted by: steevy at May 08, 2015 06:32 PM (mGBKM) ....................................Patience, we'll get there.

Posted by: wth at May 08, 2015 07:00 PM (wAQA5)

164 IHOP count as fast food, because that is my favorite place?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 07:02 PM (/tNwW)

165 Not surprised Ace likes Franco.

After all, he is a francophile.

Posted by: Gen Francisco Franco at May 08, 2015 07:04 PM (3F6F8)

166 I can give this blog post an amen. Fair and square, I recall. I looked out through the front windows of the Burger Chef and watched the other kids roll by. It didn't kill me. I learned how to clean grease off of anything. I did have to call Dad once, very late at night, to come and help me get the Bultaco started. He didn't mind, principally I believe because he knew that I was doing a damn grim job that would teach me the value of getting a good education, facilitated by leaping high and grabbing rebounds, but still an honest piece of work. I would have rather been rich, as any kid would ... I think, but it didn't do me any harm to make some fries and burgers. Some pretty girls lined up there as I recall ...

Posted by: goon at May 08, 2015 07:04 PM (gy5kE)

167 "IHOP count as fast food, because that is my favorite place?"

Sit down place with waitresses I'm thinking not. But, one my faves too. Old stuff no longer on the menu they'll still make it for you.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 07:05 PM (LA7Cm)

168
Dante Fowler -- Jags 1st round pick out for season with an ACL.

Damn.

Hate to see that happen.

Posted by: eleven at May 08, 2015 07:05 PM (MDgS8)

169 Well which campus is up the road from university town center. I saw the Psychadelic furs there in 85.?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 06:59 PM (KbNXw)

That's UCSD.

Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 07:06 PM (1EJIj)

170 I know it's your blog, sir, and I'm genuinely grateful for the community you've created, and for the privilege of participating in it. I know we've got to keep an eye on popular culture.

But...

I couldn't give a sewer rat's left testicle for the opinion of an actor on anything.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at May 08, 2015 07:06 PM (yxw0r)

171 " Jags 1st round pick out for season with an ACL."

Jags can't even buy a break.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 07:06 PM (LA7Cm)

172 If you've ever been to Seattle and went the Experience the Music Project and/or the Science Fiction Museum (the really odd looking building near the Space Needle), I worked at the McDonalds kitty-corner from there for a few months back in 1988, right before I joined the Navy. Before that was a (now closed, I think it's a Starbucks) Burger King on Elliot Way. Before *that*, a few months at the Ballard Burger King next to the (now razed for an upscale apartment building) Ballard Bowl bowling alley.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at May 08, 2015 07:07 PM (Edob3)

173
Shock humor cannot possibly shock anyone anymore.

Aren't we like 20 years past that?

Posted by: eleven at May 08, 2015 07:07 PM (MDgS8)

174 Best fast food is Luby's. Not traditional fast food. It's faster since it's already cooked.

Posted by: Cruzinator at May 08, 2015 07:08 PM (mt2jL)

175
Jags can't even buy a break.

I hate that shit even tho I couldn't care less about the Jags.

Posted by: eleven at May 08, 2015 07:08 PM (MDgS8)

176
Here's a little shock humor. Pull my finger bitch!

Posted by: Sarah Silverman at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (P330y)

177 Best line from Pineapple Express, "But he's a good drug dealer!"

Posted by: Gen Francisco Franco at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (cIoI4)

178 "Best fast food is Luby's."

Enjoy yourself a nice LuAnne platter?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (LA7Cm)

179 That's UCSD.
Posted by: A. Guy at May 08, 2015 07:06 PM (1EJIj)

OK, that's not inland, that's west of five on Torrey pines rd less than a mile from the ocean. Which BTW is where I got my next part time job as a security guard at the Salk Institute. I didn't screw that up. It was pretty cool seeing Jonas Salk and his wife every morning.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (KbNXw)

180 Every day. Repeat, every day I throw out invitations to free meals from investment strategists who want to wine and dine me at some local upscale restaurant in return for listening to their spiel.

I'm not the 1%, just some 'kid' who took on a bunch of minimum wage jobs and from them figured out how the world worked. Based on my zip code I'm now in the 2 or 3%.

The secret was pretty easy, just work harder than the people who were hardly working.

Posted by: se pa moron at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (xQX/f)

181 Mmmmm......Luby's.

Posted by: eleven at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (MDgS8)

182
The secret was pretty easy, just work harder than the people who were hardly working.
Posted by: se pa moron at May 08, 2015 07:09 PM (xQX/f)

The pamphlet of success.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 07:11 PM (KbNXw)

183 Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 08, 2015 06:47 PM (/tNwW)

Another underestimated benefit of fast food is *no tip*That one item makes a significant difference when there's 5 of us on a fixed income.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 08, 2015 07:11 PM (GDulk)

184 I couldn't give a sewer rat's left testicle for the opinion of an actor on anything.
Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at May 08, 2015 07:06 PM (yxw0r)
***

Then kindly return it to me, sir!

Posted by: Valerie Jarrett at May 08, 2015 07:12 PM (3F6F8)

185 The humor I dislike more than shock humor is uncomfortable humor. Think Michael Scott from the Office. It's meant to make you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable with the person delivering the scene. I don't like that feeling.

Posted by: Cruzinator at May 08, 2015 07:13 PM (mt2jL)

186 The secret was pretty easy, just work harder than the people who were hardly working.
Posted by: se pa moron

The pamphlet of success.
Posted by: Oldsailors Poet

The old "I don't have to outrun the bear, just you" trick
-Agent 86

Posted by: rickb223 Straight, Conservative Clinger at May 08, 2015 07:13 PM (+zma3)

187
"IHOP count as fast food, because that is my favorite place?"
...............................
Years ago a guy told me they were painting a Denny's in San Jose at night and they were peeing in the coffemakers and taking dumps in the AC vents.
For laughs. ha ha. Guys dead now. Karma?

Posted by: wth at May 08, 2015 07:13 PM (wAQA5)

188 McDonalds started going downhill about the time they switched recipes for the HOT Apple Pies. They used to be lava-filled deliciousness wrapped in cardiac-inducing crust.

This!

Posted by: toby928(C) at May 08, 2015 07:14 PM (rwI+c)

189 Enjoy them while they're still open.

Posted by: City of Seattle at May 08, 2015 07:14 PM (XrHO0)

190 188 McDonalds started going downhill about the time they switched recipes for the HOT Apple Pies. They used to be lava-filled deliciousness wrapped in cardiac-inducing crust.

This!
Posted by: toby928(C) at May 08, 2015 07:14 PM (rwI+c)

Stop it now! I can't get my breath!! lol!!!

Posted by: goon at May 08, 2015 07:16 PM (gy5kE)

191 "Chik-fil-A. Mic drop."

Politest serving staff in the known universe.

It must be protective camouflage for all the haterade they're mixing up in the back room.

Posted by: torquewrench at May 08, 2015 07:16 PM (noWW6)

192 @151 Chik-fil-A.
--------------------

The local Burger King just recently got replaced by a Chik-Fil-A. I haven't had a need for fast food lately, though.

Posted by: junior at May 08, 2015 07:16 PM (43pPh)

193 One word. McRib. The most heinous sandwich on the planet and oh my God do I love them.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet at May 08, 2015 07:17 PM (KbNXw)

194 @187 I heard it was traditional to urinate in the Steak n Shake pickle barrels.

Posted by: Julia Child at May 08, 2015 07:17 PM (3F6F8)

195 Chik has the best buns.

Posted by: Feh at May 08, 2015 07:19 PM (Uk9e2)

196 That Honey Mustard stuff that Chic-Fil-A puts in the bag with my yummy waffle fries is the perfect dip. It's not that squeeze tube junk that I can't get open at the stop light because my fingers are greasy from fumbling for fries, it's the little tubs that you can rip the tops off of. You can use your teeth and get those babies open. That is some good stuff. I would drink it if it wasn't so important to the rest of the meal!

Posted by: goon at May 08, 2015 07:22 PM (gy5kE)

197 McD's fish isn't fish, probably some sort of ground mollusc, but it's strangely addictive and I can eat three at a sitting.

Posted by: Feh at May 08, 2015 07:22 PM (Uk9e2)

198 Oh, and as much as I hate Terayza Heinz and her loping idiot of a husband, there is no substitute for Heinz ketchup. Every competitor is inedible.

Posted by: Feh at May 08, 2015 07:24 PM (Uk9e2)

199 Dan Cathy so Christian, they should call it Jack T Chik-Fil-A.

Posted by: Ray Comfort at May 08, 2015 07:25 PM (3F6F8)

200 Finally. Nood.

Posted by: Ray Comfort at May 08, 2015 07:26 PM (XrHO0)

201 I hit up Mickey Dee's 2-3 times a week. Fuck the haters, especially the hawt ones.

Posted by: Kindofa Dick (@DicksTrash) at May 08, 2015 07:32 PM (q20+R)

202 My town has a Whattaburger's and a McDonalds. I occasionally switch up and hit McD's when I'm tired of the taste of meat.

(OK, seriously, the meat in McDonald's out here is markedly different and better in taste than whatever that was back in Los Angeles. But Whattaburger's is better.)

Posted by: Family Resource Council door guard at May 08, 2015 07:43 PM (XO6WW)

203 95
"That being said, the best fast food places locally

are Krystal and Steak N Shake. Although the fast part is arguable for

the latter establishment. They have great shakes, though.

I miss Krystal's. A sake of those terrible White-Castle-like sliders... ah, bliss...

Posted by: Family Resource Council door guard at May 08, 2015 07:51 PM (XO6WW)

204 sake=sack

Posted by: Family Resource Council door guard at May 08, 2015 07:51 PM (XO6WW)

205 We can thank a now-defunct fast food chain, Dairy Mart, for encouraging Stevie Ray Vaughan to pursue music:

"Part of my job was to clean out the trash bins. One night, I was standing on top of a barrel, [and] the top caved in. I fell in grease up to [my chest], and right then I decided 'I'm not gonna do this anymore. I'm gonna play guitar."

http://tinyurl.com/kpbcffc

Posted by: Michael the Hobbit at May 08, 2015 08:22 PM (0RdKg)

206 My bad. Dairy Mart still has several locations in Dallas and the surrounding suburbs. I just haven't seen one in years.

Still, I suppose we can thank Dairy Mart for giving us Stevie Ray.

Posted by: Michael the Hobbit at May 08, 2015 08:25 PM (0RdKg)

207 Nice article. I'd say Rogan just bought himself some goodwill, but since I already saw the Interview the best I can say is that he redeemed some of the negative goodwill he earned from his atrocious acting job in that movie.

Posted by: Irving Washington at May 08, 2015 08:32 PM (M3QBc)

208 "great food at a cheap price"

Actually, McDonald's business was built on predictably mediocre-but-acceptable food at a cheap price. If you think their food is great, that explains a lot.

Good on Franco for telling the truth about his experience, a rarity in Hollywood. That doesn't make him funny or a particularly good actor or make his movies worth the price or putting up with assholes on their phones.

Posted by: Adjoran at May 08, 2015 09:09 PM (QIQ6j)

209 13 To be fair to This is the End, the bit where Mcbride is in the house is definitely the worst part.
Posted by: Kenway at May 08, 2015 05:51 PM (FzsaU

If not for Danny McBride showing up in the middle, I would've walked out on that piece of trash. Anyone that doesn't like Danny McBride is a communist.

Posted by: Kenny Fucking Powers at May 08, 2015 09:35 PM (y8idZ)

210 From high school on, I worked in a lot of food places, fast food and better places. Burger King (me and one guy always cooked our free whalers an extra 30 seconds to get them dark brown crisp); I also fed the frozen burgers onto the rotating chain grill (which BK no longer uses) that used to make their burgers fresh. I worked in a Pizza Hut. I worked in a local sub shop that made Sicilian pizzas. I worked in a steak house/supper club, when there were still supper clubs (place with live bands playing hits at a level where one could still talk at the table or even slow dance on a small dance floor). I worked in a small chi-chi restaurant in college. All of those places taught me: 1) I never wanted to own a restaurant; 2) The public sucks; 3) No work is beneath you. That last one carried me through many a professional job. On my first day in the corporate tax department at Sperry, I made copies of computer printouts to be filed with corporate property tax returns. And I mean I stood at the copier all day, breaking for lunch. For many, doing such white collar 'scut' work is beneath them. It never is, though.

I'm glad I worked in so many food places. Great experience working with a variety of people. Lots of life lessons, if one is willing to learn.

Posted by: RickZ at May 09, 2015 02:40 AM (ZYPDr)

211 I'll also say the best Mickey D's I ever ate at was in Buenos Aires back in the winter of '92 (how I ended up at a Mickey D's in Buenos Aires is a long story). Pretty good shakes, too.

Posted by: RickZ at May 09, 2015 03:22 AM (ZYPDr)

212 Oh, and I've also partaken of Mickey D's on the Ginza when I was 15. 1971 Boy Scout World Jamboree.

Posted by: RickZ at May 09, 2015 03:24 AM (ZYPDr)

213 nothing wrong with working at McDonalds, or any fast food place for that matter; however, these are entry-level jobs that do not provide a living wage. They are not meant to. You do not raise a family working at McDonalds unless you have worked your way up into perhaps a management position or end up working for corporate somehow. Those that claim they are "entitled" to $15.00 per hour need a reality check. There are people out there with college degrees slaving away in entry-level positions in secretarial positions trying to work their way up that make less money than this. No one is "entitled" to a job.

Posted by: Mistress Overdone at May 09, 2015 07:52 AM (2/oBD)

214 I worked construction in the early years to keep life and limb going. And there was many a time that the only place quick and convenient was a Micky D's. And if it was the afternoon it was a HS kid serving me. Rather than giving McDonalds a ration of hard ass we ought to be treating them with a modicum of respect. If you polled any kid raised in the 70's or 80's his first job might have been at a McDonalds.

Anybody who thinks they deserve $15/hr to flip burgers will be replaced by an automated teller and an automated burger making machine -- http://www.businessinsider.com/momentum-machines-burger-robot-2014-8

Posted by: JohnMc at May 09, 2015 09:00 AM (RHBWt)

215 Mickey D's is not good food. Yes its cheap but its gullet chow. In & Out Burger is the call for the same price.

Posted by: MikeD at May 09, 2015 11:12 AM (uKJIC)

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