I am off the Philippines again tomorrow. Manila, Davao and Cotabato!

"Regular viewers, like those in Macon, may remember how much Oprah loves cleaning and spot removal..." This is a quote from one of the items on Oprah's Favorite Things of 2007.
The whole thing makes me physically ill. There is a list, a show and a shopping list dedicated to the consumerable products that Oprah "likes" best during the year. I had to look at the list.
As suspected, it is just a list of products being advertised with the Oprah seal of approval. And all the products will sell like hotcakes!
They are, not surprisingly, luxury items. The cheapest thing was a small tub of sorbet for $5 with the most expensive being a refrigerator with a tv and other items of which I am unsure what their purpose is that retails for about $3700.

It is gross and offensive. The thing stinks of commercialism in its ripest form. Women who answer the call of Oprah will go to the website and look at the list of crap. They will then find something in their price range, regardless of need or want, and ask for it for Christmas from their family members. Brilliant really.
While they think that they are getting items that will demonstrate how in tune they are with their favourite daytime host, Oprah is nearly marketing or endorsing these items for financial gain - she is no doubt being paid to represent these items.

It is terrible. Should you want to view the list for yourself, here is the link. Be warned. Can you really trust a woman that supposedly slips into these after every show?

M.I.A.
I recently bought the new M.I.A. album. Although, I have always been a huge supporter of her, I am still uncertain about this album. A couple songs stand out like "Boys" and "Jimmy" but not sure about the others. Random chicken noise pervade the album and therefore make me feel slightly tense. Perhaps that is the point of this album? Having had Peaches as a mentor, she is constantly learning to push her - and maybe our - comfort zones? But still not convinced it worked. As a piece of art, maybe. As a listenable album, hmmm.

Read more about M.I.A. here or visit her website to hear some of the tracks.

Been a long time since I wrote. I went to Peru for work which was great. Since I was going all that way, I took the opportunity to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Both were fantastic and I had a brilliant time. I loved Peru and hope that I will make it there again soon.
After Peru, I made a trip to Boston to attend my cousin's wedding. It was a lovely wedding with a super couple. The wedding size was small which gave it a personal feel. I was able to actually talk and dance with the bride which rarely happens at weddings. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Back at work this week. Busy but staying calm. Will be heading to the Philippines again on Thursday so there is a great deal to do between now and then. Am a little nervous with the rash of bombings that have begun with disturbing regularity. Not that killings are every good, but random bombings of civilians in places like Malls is sad. Guess it is doing what it is intending and keeping people on nerve.

Am off tomorrow to Machu Picchu. YIPPEE!!