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Archives for May 2026

Still Performing: Jim Henson, Kyle Busch, and the Danger of Powering Through

May 23, 2026 By Nicholas Kerr Leave a Comment

Jim Henson and Kyle Busch lived in different worlds, but their deaths share a haunting pattern: two elite performers, still creating and competing, apparently trying to push through serious illness until it became catastrophic. Henson was only 53. Busch was just 41 and had won a race while reportedly already unwell. Their stories are tragic reminders that the very toughness we admire can become dangerous when the body is warning us to stop.

Filed Under: Daddy Rants, Random Rants Tagged With: Jim Henson, Kyle Busch, NASCAR

“Te Reo Māori Only” Sounds Noble — But Is It Sustainable?

May 11, 2026 By Nicholas Kerr Leave a Comment

A new “te reo Māori only” cafe in Rotorua has generated enormous media attention and praise from activists and cultural commentators. But from a business perspective, it may be making a fatal mistake: deliberately shrinking its customer base. Hospitality businesses succeed by making customers feel comfortable, welcomed and included — not anxious about saying the wrong thing or failing a cultural test. We’ve seen similar experiments before, from Melbourne’s feminist “man tax” cafe Handsome Her to Los Angeles’ highly ideological Sage Regenerative Kitchen. Both became media sensations. Neither proved sustainable. In hospitality, symbolism and applause rarely pay the bills for long.

Filed Under: Random Rants Tagged With: maori, new zealand

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About the Author

Nicholas Kerr is a Dallas-based marketing and loyalty executive, currently leading loyalty and CRM marketing for Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy at Brinker International. Previously, he led Microsoft Rewards and held senior leadership positions in consumer marketing and loyalty.

Raised in New Zealand, Nicholas writes The Kerrant, sharing his perspectives on economics, public policy, business, technology, and life. His commentary has appeared in National Review, The Washington Examiner, The Australian, The Australian Financial Review, and New Zealand newspapers including the Otago Daily Times. He has also addressed Chambers of Commerce, think tanks, and other organizations in Seattle and Dallas.

The views expressed on The Kerrant are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brinker International, his employers (past or present), or any other organization with which he is affiliated. Read More…

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© 2026 Nicholas Kerr · The Kerrant
All opinions expressed on this website are my own and should not be attributed to Brinker International, my past or present employers, or any other organization with which I am affiliated.