I'm not missing the correlation. I do agree that you can go overboard with perks. But, at the same time, perks are important. It's the type of perks and how many perks vs. no perks at all.

Hi RepMan -- Employees do expect perks, and perks attract and retain employees as much as salary and a good workplace culture do. However, the difference is what type of perks? Obviously, when a company goes overboard, like you describe above, I agree that it may not have the desired impact. However, I think you're mixing up two things: being nice and direct and perks. They are two separate things. On the topic of tough and direct vs. nice and direct, I still disagree with you. I think you can be the latter and be effective.

I agree with both Sam and Bubbles. Touche to you both!

I still think you're wrong Steve. You can still stand your ground, make decisions, and deal with various personalities while being respectful, approachable, and pleasant.

I disagree with you, Steve. You (well, maybe not you) can be nice and direct at the same time. Think of constructive criticism. It's direct, but it's all in the delivery. You can have a nice tone and be respectful while helping someone understand how he/she can improve. I competely agree with firing underperformers, and I've fired employees in the past, but that doesn't mean you have to be tough about it. I think the carrot is a much stronger motivator than the stick.

I've heard a lot about this movie, Julie. Thanks for mentioning it. I'm not sure I can stomach it though. I may never want to eat again!

Good point, Julie. And, of course, I'm not saying that The Artist didn't deserve to win. But, The Academy needs to change and become more diverse. According to the article, "The academy was founded in 1927 with two aims: to mediate labor disputes and improve the movie industry's image." You can't improve an industry's image when you're not including the full industry.

With these types of waivers, consumers can sign their life away, literally. But, seriously, going back to the Heart Attack Grill, a waiver is a good idea since it will hopefully give consumers a moment to think about what they are consuming before they consume it. While some will still indulge, others may think twice before biting into a lard-laden meal.

Good points Steve. I especially like the idea of a waiver. There's a hot sauce store in Key West, Florida that makes you sign a waiver if you try certain super hot sauce. I think the Heart Attack Grill can go a step further and develop a partnership with a law firm that can provide both the waivers and wills, just in case the consumer hasn't filled out a will yet. They can also partner with a nearby cemetery and let people pick out their plots while ordering. One-stop shopping.

I completely agree,Julie. That's part of the problem. And, then the question is "what, if anything, should be done?" I still believe that people need to know how "dangerous" the food is even if they choose to ignore it. And, while I do agree with you that people have the right to eat what they want, part of me still struggles with this type of gluttony since it doesn't differ from other things that are considered dangeous to one's health. Do we ignore it because it's food or do we treat it like other products that are dangerous (e.g. smoking, medications with serious side effects or addictive qualities)?

While I agree, Julie, that all establishments have a right to exist, the problem I have with this one is that they refuse to tell consumers the calorie, fat content, etc. Now, by law, they don't have to, but this type of food is dangerous to one's health. On one hand, I blame the consumers for walking into such an establishment in the first place, but if people are so blind as to what is in that food (if you can call it food), then they should at least be told calorie and fat content before they order.

Interesting point, Steve. Remember when McDonald's was sued for hot coffee when a customer spilled it on herself...all by herself? Even Seinfeld couldn't resist that one. The question is whether it's the Heart Attack Grill's fault for serving obscene food or the customer's fault for ordering the obscene food. Or, quite honestly, both. Definitely something to keep an eye on. And, by the way, keep your eye off the doughnuts...they may not be fried in lard, but they're still fried.

It's great to see that you're finally a Kangoo Konvert, Steve! I couldn't agree more. I've been Kangooing for 1-1/2 years and I'm in much better shape now than when I was in my 20's. It's the best exercise...for your body and mind!

Hi Sam: It's possible the City is doing a better job in curbing this behavior. However, this type of bus service certainly makes it easier for riders to get on without paying. The only time they're caught is when the Transit Police decide to do a random check. Since I've been using the bus, I've only seen a random check one time, which was during the holiday season.

Hi Julie: I do agree that, at times, the media exaggerate certain things, such as the impact (or lack thereof) of the recent earthquake that was felt here in NYC. I'm not talking about it being exaggerated in DC or Virginia since it did do some damage; I'm just commenting on how the media acted here in NYC. However, I don't think the hurricane was an exaggeration at all. We were very lucky here in Manhattan. Areas of Staten Island were under water, parts of the City had no power, and many places in the tri-state area and beyond were completely flooded and devastated.

Hello PEngelinNYC: I agree that the media, at times, do get blood thirsty. But, the politicians and the media did the right thing in pushing people to move out of the hurricane's path. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes hitting people over the head several times to get them to pay attention. And, even with stressing the sense of urgency and underscoring the danger of the storm, some of the 42 people who sadly died put themselves in harm's way. And, yes, Christie certainly has some memorable one-liners!

Thanks PEngelinNYC! That's interesting re: A&F's history. I wasn't aware of that. I've only been aware of the brand in its current state and the negative publicity it has attracted over the years.

I do realize that some think the spot is funny, Jepotts. However, my opinion is that it crossed the line and is morbid. But, I like your point. The sharks could be fed the PB Squared directly and comment about how much tastier they are than seals and fish. That could work. :)

Amen, BookandBlogGeek. Great point!

Maybe Mars should consider being a corporate sponsor for Shark Week. I agree Julie. It's just tasteless all around.

I'm filling in for Repman, Gaetano. He didn't lose his sense of humor and neither did I. This spot is simply tasteless and not funny.

They don't have to follow the news, Greg. The thought of using the death of young adults to sell candy is morbid enough, and BBDO and Mars should think before they air these spots.

Hi Bubbles: I agree, the spot is stupid. That's the point. But bears wiping their behinds with toilet paper is not the same as using the deaths of young adults to sell candy. I believe that the commercial has hit a new low. Your saying it's a non-issue underscores my point...no one notices or cares anymore about the lows we've hit.

You should be running the T.L.C. Greg. The Commission needs someone to fix its image, if that's even possible.

Hi Greg -- good thoughts, but we had all the relevant info when my husband called the T.L.C. the first time. We just didn't have his height. Unbelievable. The crash helmet is probably the way to go. Complaining to the T.L.C. doesn't seem to work. By the way, my husband and I needed to take a cab home last night and, once again, the cab driver was talking on the phone. I think my 90 percent estimate is too low.