James L. Watson

主要是研究麥當勞在登陸東亞五個城市之後，對其在飲食、文化等所造成的影響。單就台北篇來說，訪談的部份很少，更多的是撰述者自己的主觀看法，缺少對當時社會環境的描述，似乎把所有的變化都歸結為美式文化入侵的影響，然而麥當勞的全球化究竟是美式文化入侵的果還是因呢？這也還有待商榷。以內容論，有些粗糙了。

另，按說這是本翻譯書，翻遍全書卻找不到譯者何人。… (mais)

A very useful collection of essays on funeral practices in China (focusing on the last 400 years to 1990). Perhaps too technical for the general reader, but definitely of interest for those with specialised interests in Chinese history and customs. Differentiates between funeral practices of North from South China (where double burials are practised), rural and urban, rich and poor, commoners vs. emperors, and a fascinating article that compares Mao's (d. 1976) and Chiang Kai-shek's (d. 1975) respective funerals and memorial halls. I suspect so many of the old practices have changed in the past 20 years that this collection of essays drastically needs a new final chapter on funeral practices in the PRC as practiced at present. However, vestiges of some of the old customs can still be seen today in such places as Hong Kong and Singapore.… (mais)

This was an interesting overview of McDonalds in Asia, though overall I found it somewhat lacking. Not the research itself, but the extent that it had to be condensed in order to be presented in a reasonable sized book.

I think the background to their research was interesting, why they took the approach they did, especially given that they started on level ground. Not buying into the popular notions that McDonalds is the bastion of evil.

Some of the bits I found most interesting.
China:
"It should be noted that eating at McDonald's is still a big treat for low-income people, and that as of 1994, a dinner at McDonald's for a family of three normally cost one-sixth of a worker's monthly salary."

That just shocked me, I mean I knew on some level that the standard of living in China is lower and that people earn less but for McDonalds to be *such* a treat. I can't even imagine it being worth it, but maybe that's just me.

Korea
"It may be hard to convince a Korean child, whose favorite venue for her birthday parties is McDonald's, that hamburgers are not part of her indigenous food culture."

Good to know that birthday parties at McDs are a worldwide phenomenon. Certainly went to a fair few of those as a child, though never had one there myself. Author raises an interesting point there though, when generations grow up with McDs (or other international chains) being commonplace, at what point do the stop being foreign?

Japan
"...after some discussion it became clear that, to him, McDonald's meant teriyaki burgers and the taste he craved was soy sauce." (on why a man visiting the US thought McDs was better in Japan).

Very interesting to look at what one's palate becomes accustomed to. Can certainly sympathise with the soy sauce craving though. Also interesting in this chapter was the effects of McDs on Japanese table manners especially with regard to eating with one's hands and standing up.

I don't care much for McDonalds and haven't had it in a long time after ODing on it when I was here last time and using it as comfort food, but this was certainly an interesting read.

Not sure if 'Asia' is acceptable for the "Places" challenge, but either way this is TBReleased at one of Osaka's 70 million McDs.… (mais)