The pieces discuss various aspects of performance management and measurement, with one source offering a student's reflection on modern strategies and the other illustrating these concepts through a restaurant's struggle. The first text emphasizes the shift from individual to entity-level performance management, highlighting the dangers of measuring against past performance and the benefits of involving employees and customers in the process. It also touches on risk-taking and long-term investment in businesses like Uber. The second source provides a real-world example of a restaurant failing due to a complete lack of basic performance tracking, such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Point of Sale (POS) systems, and cost analysis, ultimately demonstrating the critical need for structured measurement to ensure business survival and success. Both sources underscore the importance of adapting to modern measurement practices to remain competitive and achieve goals.

The poem "Two Dogs: A Study in Canine Contradictions" explores the complex and often paradoxical nature of canine relationships when two dogs are in close proximity. It highlights how they might display antisocial behaviors, such as a lack of cordiality, constant barking, and an aversion to physical touch. Despite these individualistic tendencies and an apparent need for human attention, the poem concludes by revealing a deeper, underlying bond of unwavering loyalty and protective friendship between the two animals.

Two Dogs

Two dogs next to each other

are rarely cordial

and do not play together.

Two dogs next to each other

are rarely quiet

and bark all day.

Two dogs next to each other

are rarely spooning

and prefer not to touch at all.

Two dogs next to each other

are attention-starved

and beg shamelessly for petting.

Two dogs next to each other

are best friends

and will always protect each other in the end.

The short essay featured in this episode discusses how the fundraising industry adapted to the challenges presented by the pandemic, particularly the disruption of travel. It highlights the pivot to virtual meetings as a necessary alternative for fundraisers to connect with donors and prospects. The source suggests that this shift from in-person interactions to remote engagements is not merely a temporary adjustment but is expected to have a long-term impact on how fundraising operations are conducted. Ultimately, it illustrates how exceptional circumstances led to innovative solutions that are now becoming permanent fixtures in the development sector.

Short Essay:

The development world was thrown for a loop when the pandemic changed the ways in which fundraisers met with prospects and donors. One of the biggest components of the job for lead fundraisers, in particular, is travel. As the world witnessed at the time, that industry slowed down tremendously. The fact that my job is based in New York, which found itself at the epicenter in the beginning stages, did not make that part any easier. To meet the immediate needs of the beneficiaries, arrangements were made to meet virtually with people we would normally fly across the country to speak to. Meeting virtually has changed the game in the world of fundraising, and that does not look to be reverting anytime soon. It is beginning to look as though some of the changes that were made to accommodate the exceptional circumstances will have a more lasting impact.

We discuss a featured poem titled "Bed Clothes," which presents a humorous and relatable first-person account of an individual's daily exasperation with making their bed. The author expresses a deep-seated dislike for bed clothes, personifying them as mocking and victorious adversaries in a constant struggle. Despite societal encouragement to engage in this task for personal betterment, the author feels unfulfilled by the effort, viewing it as a pointless and bruising battle. Ultimately, the piece concludes with a resigned yet defiant acceptance of the bed's daily victory, while still clinging to the hope of winning the larger "war."

Featured poem: Bed Clothes I don’t like you. I never have. You are deranged. And make no sense. The world cheers you on But I don’t. I think you’re smug and overrated. “Doing this one thing will change your life forever”, I read. Do it, they say. If you Want to change your life forever. I feel duped. I did it. I do it. And my life hasn’t changed forever. Yet, every day I force myself to Pull unnecessarily hard on the evil Bedsheets. Mocked and tortured. Bruised from the battle I have yet to win. The bed always wins. It will always win The battle. But I will win the war. Zzzzzzzz.

The featured topic is a short story that explores the complex and strained relationship between a mother, Laura, and her daughter, Florence, who haven't had consistent contact for years. Their reunion on Mt. Lemmon becomes a pivotal moment where Florence confronts her mother about a lifetime of unfulfilled explanations and emotional distance. Laura experiences a realization that she has perpetuated a cycle of pain, mirroring her own mother's emotional unavailability. This breakthrough leads to mutual apologies and a shared commitment to heal their generational wounds. The story concludes with Florence revealing her pregnancy, signifying a new beginning and a desire to break the cycle for the next generation.

The featured research paper discusses cyberloafing, defined as non-work-related internet use during business hours, and its evolving perception within organizations. While traditionally viewed as a detriment to productivity and resource consumption, the source highlights a growing understanding of its potential benefits, such as stress reduction, improved employee happiness, and increased long-term productivity and retention. The text emphasizes the importance of clear policies and consistent enforcement regarding acceptable use, acknowledging that total bans can be counterproductive and that a positive work environment built on trust can mitigate negative cyberloafing. Ultimately, the writing suggests that modern organizations should adapt to this new reality, recognizing its complex impacts on employee engagement and organizational success.

The study analyzes how three key sociodemographic groups—Indigenous people, ethnic minorities, and suburban white housewives—influenced the 2020 presidential election. It examines why these groups voted as they did, often comparing their 2020 choices to their 2016 voting patterns and other past elections. Specifically, the source highlights how Indigenous voters shifted towards Biden, largely due to COVID-19 response dissatisfaction, and how suburban white housewives also turned against Trump, potentially due to his outdated perceptions of their communities. Conversely, it notes a surprising trend where ethnic minorities, particularly Black and Latina voters, showed increased support for Trump in 2020 compared to 2016.

In this episode, we discuss an emotionally moving poem, "Thanksgiving's Embrace: A Return to Family and Feast," which portrays a deeply personal and nostalgic Thanksgiving celebration. The author expresses anticipation for traditional holiday foods and the reunion with family, particularly highlighting a late but beloved relative who brings a cherished dish. The narrative emphasizes the return of these familiar traditions after a period of absence, evoking a sense of childlike joy with mentions of parades and football. Beyond the festive elements, there's a subtle acknowledgement of past difficulties, with the presence of dogs symbolizing comfort and continuity during challenging times. Ultimately, the piece celebrates the healing and unifying power of shared traditions and familial bonds.

This story, narrated by a bottle of spicy ketchup, offers a humorous and unique perspective on the dietary transformation of its human owners in unit 420. Initially, the ketchup recounts a decadent household filled with various treats and frequent leftovers, where it was a popular condiment. However, it notices a gradual decrease in its usage and the disappearance of its "naughty list" food companions, signifying a shift toward healthier eating habits like fruits and vegetables. Despite being an item from the "naughty list," the spicy ketchup expresses gratitude for its continued presence and finds joy in the occasional return of forbidden foods like home fries, illustrating its survival amidst significant change.

Our premiere episosde features a deeply personal struggle with debilitating anxiety. The author recounts being consumed by negative self-talk and a persistent belief that others harbor dislike towards them, even acknowledging the unlikelihood of such intense focus from others. This overwhelming internal chatter is depicted as immobilizing and unhealthy, preventing the author from fully living their life. The passage concludes with the author's realization of the need to release this anxiety, contemplating potential solutions like therapy or writing.