An interesting take on globalization, MARDI GRAS: MADE IN CHINA takes a look at the journey of some Mardi Gras beads, as they are constructed in a factory in China, then make their way across the globe.

This sounds like a glassier version of the Incredible Journey, where a cat and 2 dogs did a similar epic trip across America.

Will the China Mardi Gras beads make it?

Motivation is the key to completing long journeys, so, the question is: are the beads heading for a chic boutique in New Orleans, or Walmart? My money is on the beads for boutiques .where they will be treated with respect on their arrival before being wrapped in dainty tissue paper and sold on for terrific mark-ups. At Walmarts, all they can expect is to be bundled with a $15 Mardi Gras kit including a 36-pack of lite beer and a bucket for the post celebration barf.