that started with the big, cheesy McD's smile. It's why they went, it sure wasn't the food, it was welcoming. Russians don't smile at strangers the way we might and that's why the clone is getting bad reviews, even though the sourest admit they do a decent burger. Russians aren't dumb and saving up for a burger without the welcome is not going to work, they'll get a cheap bowl of solyanka, they won't have to save up for that, and it's better and better for them.

It will be the same with the automated McDs. Misanthropes and garden variety introverts are still minorities. Extrocverts and happy, peppy people persons will want the real thing, with real people wearing fake smiles.

Oh, they won't go under, they'll most likely be in the highest traffic areas, and people will put up with it Even with less traffic, they'll make more money because machines don't have to be paid, don't call in sick or for family emergencies, and can't give the owner the finger and walk out the door forever. The net profit will be higher so they'll stay automated.

I hope that the machines can afford to buy the burgers.

Designing, engineering, programming, integrating and repairing automated systems looks like a very lucrative and in demand field with lots of growth and opportunities.

Cheeseburger for Big Mac, cold fries or no fries, no chicken for chicken sandwich.

What more did I need to know? It was more important to keep the assembly line moving than to get the order right. Then you have to circle back through the waiting line or phone in for a new order next time.

If you can't see it and feel it, how do you know it's there?

Too many short order cooks spoil the broth.