McDonald's...automated food servers! Cheap robot labor!

 



A few weeks ago, Tattler readers may recall that I was on the rag about the incompetence of employees - and their inability to communicate effectively with customers - the popular eatery.

Consumers who cruise into McDonald's daily have encountered a myriad of problems that range from troubling interactions with rude workers, communication difficulties that arise from the fact many employees don't speak fluent English, and cold tasteless meals that have been slapped togther without any concern for quality or customer satisfaction,

Post: 04/11/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/mcdonaldshiring-rude-non-english.html

In response, McDonald's top brass at the executive offices announced over the past week, that the fast-food outlet is about to introduce a fully-automated facility which will not require any contact with McDonald's employees!

According to News reports overseas, McDonald’s will be supplying 7,000 European outlets with a swipe card and touchscreen facilities. The idea is to make ordering a McDonald’s quicker, easier and more efficient for the customer.

Some cynics argue that this is a sly way for McDonald's to rustle up more revenue in a short period.

In tandem with the overhaul at the cash register, McDonald's intends to build a database of the most popular take-out items.

Although the visionary corporation has stumbled on solutions to a couple of dilemmas - the need to lower the cost of labor and increase sales - another problem may rear its ugly head in the aftermath.

Is it possible to turn out thousands of tasty meals daily - with Robots at the helm - and still manage to satisfy customers with menu items that are fresh, tasty, and something to write home about?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Posh Bagel...San Francisco owners serve up tasty breakwiches! Free WiFi...

Posh @ Embarcadero Centre!

Years ago, when I resided in a small apartment on Flores in West Hollywood, I often strolled down to the Posh Bagel for a tasty breakfast snack.

Although I was inclined to order a bagel with cream cheese - with a few slices of lox - now and then I would also spring for a bagel with egg and cheese.

Yummy!

I have found memories of the low-key eatery which attracted a few celebs being in the heart of WeHo and all!

Shortly after I met Rudi Gernreich outside of his studio one day, I often crossed paths with the genius clothing designer at the Bagel after that (natch).

Rudi Gernreich / topless bathing suit

Post: 12/11/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/12/rudi-gernreichtopless-swimsuit.html

Shortly after I arrived in San Francisco on this holiday get-a-way, I was delighted - therefore - to stumble across one of the franchise outlets at the Embarcadero Center.

The owners are very down-to-earth friendly people.

One day afer packing up my laptop, and heading out the door, the owner beamed at me as he made a kind gesture.

"Come back tomorrow. We're open at 6 a.m. Plug in and stay all day."

Yes, in addition to whipping up one of the tastiest bagel breakwiches in town, free WiFi is included in the package as well.

Get this (unlike the other cafes that offer up wireless with a purchase) - once a customer keys in the telephone number to gain access - he or she can surf the net without a requirement that the code be inputted again and again ad nauseam.

And, there isn't any pesky interruption (interferring with your busy work schedule as you try to meet a deadline online) because the wireless service here doesn't shut down until you say so!

Hats off to the owners, who underscore just how hospitable and sophisticated business-owners are capable of being, if they have the heart and mind to.

Bless them, too.

Rudi Gernreich's vision!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Gelsons...rip-off prices, moldy stale food, Managers that discriminate and offend!

Stale rolls, overpriced water, and wilted flowers a specialty!

Years ago when I was residing on Flores Street in West Hollywood, I was so spoiled when it came to shopping for groceries and household goods.

Just a hop-and-a-skip away, Mayfair Market beckoned with fresh fruit and vegetables at reasonable cost, a wide selection of name products on the shelves satisfied the most discerning palate, and cheerful cashiers greeted customers with a smile.

Unfortunately, Mayfair Market closed-up-shop one fine day - at which point - Gelson's muscled in on the local scene.

On occasion, when I shopped at Gelson's over the years, it was mostly an unpleasant experience.

So, I started to pick up life's nutritional necessities at Ralph's, Pavilions, wherever.

Now and then, I pop into Gelson's at Flores & Santa Monica to give them a second chance, but due to poor management and the bad attitude of the grocery clerks, Gelson's has basically gone-to-hell in a hand-basket.

For instance, the 2nd last time I sauntered in to the nicely-painted outlet in WeHo, I spied a rotund security guard (female?) - with the face of a blinking night owl - staring each customer up-and-down with disdain as they waltzed through the door.

At one point when I queried the queer-looking uniformed employee about the whereabouts of shampoo - she half-turned and stabbed the air gruffly with a stubby finger - to signal the aisle where the hair products were shelved.

She didn't utter one word!

Yup, all the personality of a worm.

Talk about scraping the barrel for staff to "man" the store!

In one aisle, when a customer's path was blocked by stock boys chatting each other up, it was necessary for the miffed shopper to pointedly interrupt with a curt "excuse me" before they parted and allowed the disgruntled woman through.

No respect for the paying customers, either!

When I noticed that the inexperienced employees left single-servers of ice cream unattended to melt in carts as they slowly hauled their sorry a**es around the store, frankly, I was aghast.

Obviously, these wet-behind-the-ears grunts were uneducated about the health hazards that could conceivably arise when frozen product was carelessly left to melt - then refreeze again - without proper inspection.

By the way, the rip-off prices at Gelson's are not only mind-boggling, but underscore the grocer's insatiable greed!

For example, a small container of rice pudding that may be snapped up at Ralph's or Pavilions for 99 cents, is marked up to a staggering $2.39 (approximate).

I've also noticed that cookies and cereal on the shelves at Gelson's - on average - are at least a dollar-or-two more costly than elsewhere in the vicinity of WeHo.

To their detriment, Gelson's also doesn't appear to care much about monitoring the freshness of their product.

Customers have to point out an item has spoiled before it is removed from the shelf.

For instance, when I plucked up an orange from a product display case one day, the bottom half of the fruit was all moldy!

And, bread products leave a lot to be desired, too.

Since I have a fondness for fresh bread, on occasion I trotted to the bin where the rolls were stocked - only to determine under close inspection (and a surreptitious squeeze or two) - that their buns were stale (or at least a day old).

The asking price for a rock-hard roll?

79 cents a piece ( I kid you not).

In contrast, bread-lovers may be pleased to know that at Ralph's and Pavilions the same kind of roll - fresh out of the oven daily - may be purchased for the bargain-price of 59 cents.

And, don't even entertain the thought of satisfying your sweet tooth with a pastry or high-calorie doughnut at the uppity grocery outlet.

That purchase will throw your budget off-kilter for a week!

In addition to the rip-off prices, stale food on the shelves, and careless stocking procedures at Gelson's (which may cause a touch of food poisoning, for starters), the inappropriate conduct of one of the Managers at Gelson's is a bit disconcerting, too.

For example, one night as I strode up to the cashier to pay for my groceries, the gooky-looking oddball schlepped up to one of the display cases (where gum and tabloid newspapers are cleverly-arranged to grab the attention of impulse-buyers last-minute) and "acted" like he was tabulating items on the shelf.

But, on a couple of occasions when I glanced in his direction (he was almost breathing down my neck at one point) I caught him glancing suggestively at the chest and crotch areas of the body.

Just as I was about to inform him I wasn't interested in his unwanted sexual advances, the cashier proceeded to ring up my items, so I let the matter drop.

Creepy!

Last night, I also noticed that when two young males approached a line that was relatively busy - quick-as-a-wink - he strode over and ushered the cozy twosome to a cash register previously closed.

Meanwhile, shoppers ahead in the line were left waiting!

Yup.

The old letch uses his position as manager to get his rocks off, at the expense of the rights of other shoppers, who were entitled to their just due.

Although Gelson's has a freshly-paved parking lot that may appeal to some, I recommend that in view of the foregoing trouble-spots , discerning shoppers with higher expectations drive on.

Oscar winner Bette Davis once quipped:

"I had to go back to work because someone had to pay for the groceries."

Since Ms. Davis once resided in a penthouse In West Hollywood just shy of Crescent Heights and Fountain Street, it is wholly conceivable she was referring to Gelson's!

Bette savoring a memorable autumn moment

Bristol Farms a shopper's option!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Subway take-out...toast surcharge outrageous!

Michael, don't Bogart that!

Whenever my body aches for something healthy and nutritious, I head for the Subway fast-food outlet, and spring for a Veggie lite sub.

Not a big meat-eater, I prefer to munch on a honey oat sandwich packed with lettuce, American Cheese slices (pass on the Swiss, after all, 'ya get less cheese what with the holes 'n all), tomatoes, cucumbers, onions (provided it's not date night), green pepper, pickles, and a few shavings of avocado (fattening, yes, but it packs a wallop in the protein department), and topped with a dash of pepper and Honey Mustard.

Was it my imagination, or were there a posse of students from UCLA snapping up the footlongs that studly spokesperson - Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps - has been pushing lately?

For some inexplicable reason, when the server asked if I'd like the sandwich toasted (on the heels of slapping the ultra-thin cheese slices - cheap basta**s - on the fresh tasty bread, I enthusiastically piped up "yes".

Normally, I passed.

The pretty little gal opened an over door just over her shoulder, plopped in the sandwich she was in the throes of building, and waited a second or two.

In a jiffy, she flipped it back out onto the counter, then wrapped up the fully-loaded sub tailored precisely for me.

The cashier rang up the charges, but the total was not a pleasing one to my ears.

Because I am inclined by habit to snack on the same offering each week - over time it has become an easy task to rattle off the price in my own mind - since the cost of the snack only went up once (by about thirty cents) since the beginning of the year.

Imagine my surprise when the employee rang up a charge that was fifty cents higher than usual.

"Did the prices go up," I innocently asked, to ensure there wasn't any error and that I wasn't being ripped off by an inexperienced staffer new on the job.

"You had the sub toasted, didn't you?"

My jaw just about fell to the floor.

The subway fast-food outlet was tacking on a surcharge of fifty cents to flip the sandwich into an open oven for a second or two?

Gosh, who knew that a wrist flip - and a few waves of heat - were such an expensive commodity, 'til now.

As politely as possible, I informed the cashier I'd pass on the toasting option, next visit.

Provided I return, that is.

I may be hungry for a sub now and then, but I'm also nobody's fool!

Hold the toast, please!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Ellen DeGeneres...flogs make-up with stylish flair! Skin care tips...

Say, that was quite a blurb in the Los Angeles Times weekend edition featuring our little darling, Ellen DeGeneres.

The fashion stylist propped up our perky talk-show host in a chic black designer suit which suited the fair-haired "simply ageless" beauty to a "T".

I was particularly drawn to the elegant four-button flourish at the cuff; subtle & elegant, if you ask me!

Ellen, keep up with the horsey fashion set and you'll land on my Best Dressed List for women at the end of the year.

DeGeneres is flogging a skin care product for Covergirl & Olay.

The line is touting Olay Regenerist - a serum - which the manufacturer boldly asserts conjures up flawless skin that appears ageless even to the keen eye of the most discerning high-society matron.

"The make-up that simply won't age you," they gush.

"Unlike high-end department store brands that 'settle' in lines and wrinkles causing the individual to appear older instead."

Of course, moisturizers will plump up the skin and lessen the appearance of lines.

That's a no brainer!

Exfoliating creams, on the other hand, will slough off dead cells - and hence - increase blood flow to the skin surface and create a healthy-looking glow that will turn heads.

But, the truth of the matter is, no skin cream (or make-up) can reverse the aging process or turn back the clock of time once the damage has set in.

For clear blemish-free skin with a minimum of wrinkles - hydration, diet, and exercise - are key regimens to follow.

Drink at least six to eight (eight ounce glasses) of water daily.

Eat a nutritious diet which consists of fruit, grains, and vegetables.

Avoid smoking tobacco and imbibing alcohol if you desire skin that radiates with vitality.

If you follow these tips, you'll be able to cheat the effects of aging, without doubt.

But, nothing lasts forever.

Not even the mortal coil that God blessed us with.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Dallas...Cancer Plaza: A tribute of hope! Richard & Annette Bloch Angels of light...

After AFI Dallas wrapped, I wiled away a few days checking out the local tourist hot-spots downtown.

At Pegasus Square (Main & Akard) a picturesque little park with fresh-water brooks tumbling over whimsical water sculptures - bore an inscription on a rock face which was inspiring.

"Where the hoof of Pegasus hits the ground a well springs forth and the muses come to dance and sing."

But, I was just as touched by a well-manicured patch of greenery a few city blocks away, that I stumbled on later that afternoon amid the seemingly endless hustle and bustle of the downtown core.

The park - Cancer Plaza - was donated by two kind-hearted souls - Richard & Annette Bloch - in a bold-faced effort to raise the consciousness about the killer disease.

With that in mind, the Blochs set informative plaques about the aesthetically-pleasing square, to enlighten passers-by about a course of action to take in order to save the lives of those stricken.

In addition, a couple of sculptures have been installed, to better educate the affliced and their families.

For example, a five-hundred pound granite ball rotates continually in a fountain base at one end of the square.

The Blochs explain that the granite "object" is not unlike a "mass" of cancer cells that are constantly "on the move" in the human body.

Across the way, a striking sculpture consisting of five figures and a maze-like structure, commands attention.

The artist explained the concept.

"Five figures represent cancer patients and their supporters preparing for treatment (represented by the maze) . For this reason, there are expressions of fear, determination and hope on their faces."

"In contrast, three figures at the front of the art piece are joyous, because treatment has been successful."

Here and there about the tranquil setting - in support of the "Tribute to Hope" - the Blochs have not only provided up-to-the-minute facts on "cancer", but also a raft of helpful tips on how to combat cancer on levels beyond physical therapy with drugs.

For instance, it is noted that patients should consider meditation - with the ultimate aim of calming their nerves and reducing anxiety - since a progression of cancer may be triggered by stress-related conditions that adversely affect the immune system.

A regimen of good health, in tandem with a healthy diet, is also urged.

For those who may be overwhelmed, or at a loss to muster up self-help programs on their own to experiment with, the Blochs have provided a 24-hour 800 number to call for assistance.

Info: 1-800-433-0464

http://www.julianayrs.com

*Dedicated to Thelma

The Chefsters...star cooks R kids who promote nutrition! Red Carpet event attendances by Parker McKenna Posey, Ernest Thomas, & Iake Eissinmann...

Parker McKenna Posey a health and nutrition advocate for peers

Although the stars of the cooking show were 4 pre-teens, the Regent Theatre in Hollywood rolled out the red carpet nonetheless for a sneak preview of Chefsters - an upcoming TV series - that promotes health and nutrition for kids!

Shortly after director Iake Eissinmann (a former child star who starred opposite Bette Davis in Disney's "Escape to Witch Mountain"), Parker McKenna Posey (ABC's My Wife & Kids), and Ernest Thomas (Everybody Hates Chris) posed for candid shots just a hop-and-a-skip out of the sweltering afternoon sun, swarms of "Beyond the Bell Branch" students mobbed the theatre.

The BTB's were there to take a fun, positive, proactive response to a childhood obesity problem that is sweeping the nation, according to the show's producers.

Chefsters, after all, is a spanking new informative children's Television Show with a refreshing take on healthy eating and positive lifestyles.

Four young chefs (with a bit of guidance from one of the fathers) offer up helpful tips to kids at home about the ins 'n outs - and importance - of a healthy diet and proper nutrition.

Suggestions on food preparation don't escape their watchful eyes, either.

In Episode 1, that screened today for an enthusiastic audience (about ninety percent were kids between 7 - 12 ; the age range recommended by the producers), the engaging hosts of the show gave advice worth paying heed to.

"Make sure the cooking area is clean first, so there is no potential for salmonella poisoning," one photogenic young lad cautioned.

Another young chef mentioned two practical tips to follow when choosing chicken as an entree.

"Strip off the skin, 'cause that is where the fat is. Also, avoid frying; it's healthier to bake it."

Alex Ortiz, who plays one of the fathers on Chefsters (the only adult in the cast), is a perfect foil for the kids during upbeat segments which makes for hilarious fodder.

However, at times I found the segments wordy, and the dialogue a bit cerebral.

I seriously wondered, as I sat beneath the footlights, how many young ones would be able to wrap their brains around some of the terms - trans fats - for instance.

Frankly, I found the show "dry", at times.

In the incarnation I caught today, the Chefsters appears to have more appeal for concerned parents, than active outgoing kids.

In my estimation, a few graphic inserts designed to get points across in a humorous or entertaining way visually, would have had a much broader appeal for children in that age range than a lot of the monotonous chit-chat (preachy?) spoon-fed into camera.

In view of the fact there are a wide-range of animation techniques available in the marketplace today - and a myriad of rich media applications to toy with - I was a little stunned that the producers failed to facilitate any of it in their project.

Tools of that ilk, spinning images with a magical spellbinding bent, would surely keep young audiences on the edge of their seats, don't 'ya think?

In short, Chefsters needs a tasty ingredient or two to spice the recipe up.

The series is not expected to be broadcast until later this year, so there is ample opportunity for their creative team to tinker and effect some deft imaginative changes.

I managed to corall Kathy Bee - a charismatic woman with peaches and cream complexion - who is the nutritional consultant on the show.

"Part of the idea of Chefsters is to teach the kids to reach for the right snacks."

When she excitedly promoted the idea of eating five or six small meals during the course of the day, I wholeheartedly agreed.

The practice is known as "grazing" which I apply to my own diet and health regimen daily.

When I stepped out of the dark into the bright lobby, I bumped into Alex Ortiz, who plays a Dad on Chefsters and with great gusto!

He's a big plus for the show, by the way.

There he was - Mr. Personality - posing for snapshots and lighting up the kids' faces!

As he waved them off, I approached with the aim of congratulating him on Chefsters.

A broad hand reached out and shook mine.

As a wide smile beamed across his pleasant face, I quizzed him.

"Have you worked with kids before?"

"No, but I loved the experience."

I was about to rustle up a bit of background career information, when Iake Eissinmann (the director) dashed out of a door to our left and grabbed him by the arm.

As he dragged off the affable actor, totally oblivious to the fact he rudely interrupted our conversation, I suddenly realized what an insensitive self-absorbed man Eissinmann is.

When he appeared on the red carpet for photo ops earlier, he was so congenial and accommodating (here I am, Mr. Wonderful child star), when the cameras were snapping away.

But, out of the spotlight, it was obvious from his lack of self-awareness - or courtesy to others (moi!) - that he's just another ego-maniac packed into a shallow pint-sized frame struggling for the brass ring - again!

Has-been's are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, Mr. Eissinmann.

Ironically, in spite of the fact Chefsters was touting smart snacks with nutritional value, when break-time arrived, children were encouraged to dash up to the confection to snatch up the treats that were being pooh-poohed as poor choices onscreen.

Frankly, I don't know why the producers didn't team up with a sponsor for the event.

A snack break offering up the kind of products kids should reach for throughout their hectic high-energy day, would have been a nice complement to their presentation.

I guess no one at the production company thought of it, or they were too lazy to pursue the idea.

The Chefsters is slated for broadcast later this year and is being distributed by Octapixx worldwide.

Trailer: www.thechefsters.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

Aid for AIDS...Go eat Los Angeles! Charitable fundraiser February 26th...

Dine at an elegant restaurant and - at the same time - raise funds for the homeless and individuals and families impoverished by HIV/AIDS!

The annual event is - GO EAT Los Angeles - and kicks off tomorrow on February 26th.

This is how it works.

Chow down at a Los Angeles restaurant and the proprietors will donate 20% or more of their day's receipts to Aid the AIDS-inflicted.

According to the organizers, this is an easy way to support the HIV/AIDS community.

You have to eat, right?

So, when you hop in the car - and head out to squelch that hunger pang in your stomach (during the breakfast, lunch, or dinner hour) - select an eatery from the "Go Eat Los Angeles" list of participating restaurants.

No excuses!

'Cause there are plenty of participating establishments serving up delectable meals in West Hollywood, Silverlake, Hollywood, Long Beach, Pasadena, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and the Valley (you go, girl!).

Info: http://www.GoEatLA.org

http://www.julianays.com