For my material artifact, I chose a cheaply made watch, which I bought last year. It is a counterfeit designer watch of some sort, with a gigantic face and fake diamonds; it is the definition of "bling-bling." But it's "bling-blinginess" really has nothing to do with why i chose it. The reason I picked the watch is becuase I bought it -after an intense haggleing bought with the street vender- in China-town, NYC. China-town is an unparalleled example of how other races and their cultures have become integrated into things as American as The Big Apple. It's very centralized and, aside from all of the usesless gift shops, the closest thing to china you can get in America.



This is yet another example of cultural integration, only this time, the medium is music. That's the cover of my guitar teachers band's second latest album. I would post an mp3, but I should probably get permission first. I'll try and do that later. Back on topic though, Brazil and Beyond is a Detroit-area based Brazilain band. The album is a Beatles Tribute album, however in accordance with the band's genra, all the songs are aranged in traditional Brazilian form. In other words, they use ethnic instruments -some of which have names I cannot pernounce- to play Beatles songs with an added South American flavor. Perhaps it's only in America (or maybe only in Detroit) that you will find 5 white guys playing Brazilian renditions of Brittish pop songs.

P.s. Ken would be disheartened if I failed to extend the courtesy of using his band's images without plugging them too, so if you're interested feel free to check out www.brazilandbeyond.com .