World Hum’s Most Read: May 10-16

What We Loved This Week: ‘The Zen of Bobby V,’ ‘When the Levees Broke’ and Arriving With Our Baggage

How Bad is the Violence in Mexico?

Tony Horwitz Blogs From the Road

Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World

Ben Keene talks to the author of the new book “A Voyage Long and Strange” about travel, American myths and the importance of visiting places where “history happened”

In Patagonia, In Patagonia

Tim Patterson packs his fleece and long underwear, and enters the Twilight Zone where corporate branding meets the multilayered reality of place. 

Should I Quit Law School so I can Travel the World?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

‘The Worst Guidebook Writer Ever’?

Lonely Planet author Robert Reid reviews Thomas Kohnstamm’s “Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?” and weighs in on the controversy surrounding it

Have a Hockey Night in Canada

From Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie, the sport is the country’s greatest passion. Eva Holland explains where to go to indulge—and who you need to know.

Promised Land Closed

And other odd and unlikely signs from around the world. Aficionado Doug Lansky, editor of the book “Signspotting,” recounts his 10 favorites.

10 Sizzling Hot Travel Tips From Sir Francis Bacon

Rolf Potts repackages the 17th century philosopher’s ‘Of Travel’ essay in the manner of a 21st century magazine feature

‘Feng Shui-Inspired’ McDonald’s Opens in California

Hi Mike:

:)

After I finish maniacally chopsticking my fries, I’ll oh so carefully remove the stigma of a ridged putrid pennypickle from the prelapsarian catsup pool atop the mystery meat patty. Don’t worry, the Australians assure us it’s mostly kangaroo, not heart-attack-inducing, cholesterol-heavy cow fleisch.

I feel like committing suicide for risking my life for one last hot apple pie.

But those shakes, come on, man, they were placed there for a reason, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. I promise you I don’t have rubicund cheery-dimpled cheeks and an evil elfish grin, though I’m first in line at a Christmas party to play limbo under the misteltoe. Apocalypso!

Taking feng shui and placement theory to new heights, I dump my tray on the lap of a passing nemesis, and bolt like wild thunder for the wasp-colored taxi getaway vehicle.

I’m afraid I’d rather have a bacon double cheeseburger than a Big Mac. I would say it would be a little kindergarten to insist anybody likes unwashed wilted lettuce on their hamburgés. Although, they are clearly the same company, making competition a moot point, I guess it’s okay to risk toxic shock syndrome for establishments wildly praised by homeless chaps. Arches or Crown, mate.

I guess this is a comment on people who try to hard, like me.

Hi Mike:

I’m reluctant to double-blog, but in contrapuntal response to my message above, I take back what I said.

I kinda like them french fried pertaters. As delicious as chomping on the thighbone of Jeffrey Dahmer whilst listening to Julie Andrews singing “Truly Scrumptious.”