National Geographic writer Gary MacKechnie has been on the look-out for Americana, and much like everybody's favorite Republican Ms. Sarah Palin, he seems to believe that real America belongs to the people in the middle of nowhere, or what I lovingly like to refer to as BFE. MacKechnie's book, "USA 101: A Guide to America's Iconic Places, Events and Festivals" is a guide for those searching for real America. The author picked his top ten favorite places for USA Today.

If you are wondering where you can find real America, try Las Vegas. Not for the gambling, the "exotic dancers" or the prostitution, but for the "Miss America Pageant." I am seriously hoping that MacKechnie wrote that WAY prior to the Miss Carrie Prejean debacle of earlier this year. I mean, seriously, WTF? The idea that spokespeople have to be able to sing or dance, plus look perfect in a bikini while walking in dangerously high-heels is simply ludicrous. Is this really what National Geographic wants to sell America as?

Some of MacKechnie's other favored sites and festivals as told to the pinnacle of American journalism USA Today are equally strange in my eyes. How important is the state of Missouri to the average American's eyes? I would have to say, not very. MacKechnie, however, claims that Mark Twain's birthplace is a great place to go. Granted, I haven't been there, but the idea of taking a trip to the middle of nowhere to see the birthplace of one highly noted author and then to subject myself to Tom Sawyer impersonators really doesn't sound like fun. I also have to wonder how PC both the impersonators and the site are in this day and age.

Rock City, which is described as a "minimalist theme park" is another place to find "real America".  The more  I look at this guy's list, the more I think he hates America. In all of this country, if you had to list ten places to go to find the "real America", would you even consider adding some tacky amusement park to the list?

I guess there is no "real America" in New York City, Boston, or Seattle. Believe you me, Seattle has its share of tacky-sounding festivals, but apparently the more rural the place, the more real the Americans are there. Admittedly, this is a red state divide, but I would like to think that real America and Americans can be found in more places.