authentic cultural journey: $1850

confirming your own privilege? priceless.

this (log-in required) new york times story begins by reminding all of us that in this era of globalization, "an authentic experience" can be hard to find. never fret, however. a direct path to authenticity--do not pass Go, do not collect $200--is available to those who pony up close to two grand for an “Andean Special Interest” trip from Peru Cultural Journeys, which may include "interaction within a traditional community and participation in its workday. Themes include traditional medicine (bone setting, midwifery); textiles (weaving); archaeoastronomy; music and dance." i don't mean to discount the revenue this probably brings to folks who are making good use of it, but: ew.

propaganda!

hmmm. maoart.

vacation's over!

but not so the olympics. we're particularly enjoying heather havrilesky's take on honky space alien bob costas's recent diatribe. Usain Bolt's supposed lack of class resonates with the alleged Obama arrogance--and the athelete's first name sounds eerily like Hussien. someone, alert the media douchebags! will 2008 go down in history as the year everyone dressed their racism up in euphemisms and assumed no one would notice?